Microsoft is making the Windows Game Bar more handheld-friendly

Game Bar's new compact mode is currently in testing for Xbox Insiders Microsoft today began testing a new compact version of Game Bar with Xbox Insiders. Similar to the Xbox app on Windows PC, Game Bar has its own Compact Mode designed for smaller screens, Windows handhelds, and even PC gaming with a controller.

“With Compact Mode enabled, access to widgets and navigation is simplified so you can get to the content you want as easily as possible,” said Oliver Hsu, senior product manager, Xbox Experiences. "If you use a controller, you can quickly switch between widgets using the left and right bumpers (LB/RB)."

The compact Game Bar home widget lets you view your recent or current games, and even quit a game from here. It's great if you're using a controller. You can also use your controller and this compact mode to quickly access widget options and access the widget store for more Game Bar features. Microsoft is testing this new compact mode for Game Bar with Xbox Insiders today, who can sign up to test it and enable the new mode in Settings. Microsoft has been making incremental improvements to the Xbox app on Windows over the past few months, including a compact mode and controller improvements for navigating and running games.