In this video I put Xbox Full Screen Experience up against SteamOS—and right away I tell you why it’s not a perfectly “fair” fight. SteamOS is an actual operating system built for handheld gaming, while Xbox Full Screen Experience is basically a custom launcher sitting on top of Windows 11. But it’s still a super useful comparison because these are two very different ways to get that console-like handheld vibe, and both have real strengths (and some annoying trade-offs) once you actually live with them. On the Xbox side, the biggest win is flexibility. Because it’s Windows underneath, you get wide game compatibility, easier access to stuff like kernel-level anti-cheat games, and native Game Pass + Xbox cloud streaming support. The downside is you’re still dealing with Windows updates, background processes, and a less streamlined “handheld-first” feel—especially around power management and efficiency. SteamOS, on the other hand, is lightweight, removes a lot of the Windows fluff, and feels like it was built specifically for handhelds. The sleep/wake experience is a standout: I can hit the power button, suspend the game, and be back in within seconds. My takeaway is simple: SteamOS is the turnkey option for Steam/backlog and quick gaming spurts, while Xbox Full Screen Experience is for the Windows/Game Pass/competitive multiplayer crowd who needs that compatibility.