Let’s face it: some PC gamers play with controllers because some PC games work better with controllers. And if you’re the type of person looking for a gamepad rather than a mouse, Microsoft has a new Windows 11 Game Bar for controllers that you can help test out.
Microsoft is making this new version of Xbox Game Bar available to those participating in Windows Insider and Xbox Insider channels, especially the latest Insider builds on the Dev and Beta channels. You’ll need to download the Xbox Insider Hub from the Microsoft Store for PC, sign in, and then join the Xbox Insider Program if you’re not already signed in. You will also need to join the Windows Gaming preview.
After restarting, you’ll see the new Game Bar for controllers the next time you connect your controller, Microsoft said in a blog post on Thursday.
Once in a game, you can launch the traditional Game Bar by pressing the Xbox button or simply Win+G. Picture: Microsoft
What’s great about the new Game Bar for controllers is that it makes it easier to get into the game, as well as controlling the game. Press the Xbox button on your controller at any time and the Game Bar game will show launch buttons for the last three games you played, as well as separate buttons for game launchers like Steam. Once you’ve actually opened a game, you can press the Xbox button again to open the full-fledged Game Bar, with all of its functions.
Naturally, there is no obligation to use the new Game Bar for controllers. We can’t imagine playing, say, a real-time strategy game using a controller. But something like one of Batman: Arkham games or Ring of Elden? There, a controller is the way to go, and the new Xbox Game Bar controller simply recognizes that’s how these games are played.