Xbox Full Screen Experience arrives on Legion Go 2 and other Windows handhelds earlier than expected
Lenovo Legion Go 2 with Xbox Full Screen Experience is shown (Image source: Lenovo, Xbox Wire with edits)
Microsoft used its Xbox Full Screen Experience to convince console fans to purchase the ROG Xbox Ally. Sooner than anticipated, the Lenovo Legion Go 2 and other handheld gaming PCs are receiving the update. The gaming-focused UI reduces background bloat, but doesn’t always behave as advertised.
Microsoft unveiled the new release schedule during its just-aired Xbox Partner Preview showcase. In late October, the company began rolling out its full-screen option for MSI Claw devices. However, gamers had to participate in the Windows Insider program to access the feature.
The Legion Go 2, including the AMD Z2 Extreme version, also required workarounds to enable the Xbox Full Screen Experience. Originally, Lenovo stated that it would not receive the official update until 2026. That timeline seems to have changed, with Microsoft including all Windows handhelds in its latest announcement.
Xbox Full Screen Experience Windows gaming handhelds announcement (Image source: screenshot, Xbox YouTube)
Gamers don’t have to implement the menu system, which aims to make navigating gaming handhelds less cumbersome. Windows settings allow users to toggle the FSE on or off. When activated, the devices will reboot with the Xbox app taking over their screens. Players can then browse and launch games from third-party marketplaces using analog sticks and buttons.
Does the Xbox Full Screen Experience improve frame rates?
The tweaked interface also avoids using some background processes, freeing up memory, in an attempt to improve performance. Still, it hasn’t launched on the ROG Xbox Ally without some glitches. With other apps, controller functionality often doesn’t work as intended. Despite Microsoft’s efforts, more clunky aspects of its OS also tend to pop up, interfering with gameplay.
It’s hoped that by the time a new Xbox handheld or console launches, the FSE will be more streamlined. Nevertheless, critics argue that only a UI designed for a console will limit frustrations.
Desktop and laptop users should also prepare for the Xbox Full Screen Experience. The Partner Preview broadcast confirmed that Insider members will be able to test the feature on all Windows 11 PCs.
Adam Corsetti - Tech Writer - 787 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2025
I became interested in technology at a young age and enjoyed discovering the latest innovations. While earning college degrees in publishing, I created several PC hardware and gaming websites. My passion has always been to guide readers on what products can truly improve their lives. After many years as a Tech Writer for Game Rant, I'm anxious to share my knowledge with a new audience at Notebookcheck.
