Skip to main content

Windows 11 Handheld Fullscreen Mode Integration

📋 Summary

Windows 11’s upcoming Fullscreen Xbox Mode allows handheld PCs like the ROG Ally and MSI Claw to skip loading the full Windows desktop and instead boot directly into the Xbox app. This reduces background processes, frees up to 2GB of memory, and provides a handheld-friendly UI.

This request is to support LaunchBox and Big Box as an option for this fullscreen handheld mode, letting users boot directly into Big Box for a lightweight, console-style experience.


🎯 Feature Overview

  • Allow LaunchBox/Big Box to be registered as a handheld fullscreen app in Windows 11 (in place of the Xbox app).

  • Boot directly into Big Box, skipping the Windows desktop and unnecessary Explorer processes.

  • Free up system memory and CPU, reducing overhead while games are running.

  • Maintain the option to switch back to standard Windows desktop when needed.


🛠 Example Use Case

  • A user with a ROG Ally sets Big Box as their fullscreen home app.

  • On boot, the system launches Big Box instead of the Xbox app, saving resources.

  • The user browses their emulated and PC library with a controller-first UI, while benefiting from the performance improvements of bypassing Explorer.


📦 Benefits

  • Performance Gains: Frees up system memory and CPU, improving handheld game performance.

  • Seamless Boot Flow: Devices can boot straight into Big Box, like a console.

  • Handheld Optimization: Provides a smooth, controller-first interface designed for portable use.

  • Consistency: Matches Microsoft’s vision for a handheld gaming mode but adapted for LaunchBox users.

Status: Open To Community2 comments

Log in to comment and vote

Comments2

  • kam712398

    •

    Oct 30, 2025

    Currently, there are apps like X FSE hook and anyFSE on github that can make BigBox boot on start with FSE. BigBox seems to crash often in FSE in general, might be worth looking into?

    • kam712398

      •

      May 18

      Winhanced is able to be to set as the Xbox Fullscreen Experience, is there any progress on BigBox being able to do the same?