Now this is really aimed at anyone who uses a Handheld gaming computer or those who want a more console-like experience on PC with a controller.
Winner combined, it acts as an almost complete replacement for your computer library Xbox, SteamCombine Epic and GOG libraries into one app. It offers a fairly friendly, console-style experience that feels more cohesive than juggling multiple launchers.
So with that in mind, here’s a full look at Winhanced and why I like it so much, but more importantly, why I think everyone should make the switch.
Not only that, the software does more than just launch your games. The team behind Winhanced has also added a feature that automatically adjusts TDP to help you get the best possible performance in your games, which is very nice.
Now, before I get too juiced up on Winhanced, I should mention that I am part of its early access. This means that my experience is based on features currently locked behind Patreon.
However, I suggest supporting the team; you can find their Patreon here. This is a project built in their spare time and they are very sensitive to feedback.
It’s also fair to say that this is an early access experience. You’ll run into bugs and quirks that can throw you off the console-like feel.
still, I’m having similar issues with the Xbox appand here it is easier to ignore them. This isn’t a trillion dollar company reporting record earnings, it’s a small team getting started.
Some of the issues I’ve run into include graphical glitches, issues closing games (which I believe has been fixed), and occasional download hiccups. In my experience, reporting them leads to fixes fairly quickly.
The team is also actively working on new features. A friend list that connects your friends over Steam is on its way and is currently in testing. Controversyand Xbox.
Speaking to one of the developers, Floop, looking ahead, the developer had a clear vision of where Winhanced was headed. He states:
“If I could own the world in a year, I’d see Winhanced talking the same way as something like Bazzite or Playnite online as the go-to software that people turn to for their first experience with Windows controllers.“
It’s certainly a bold vision, and honestly, based on my experience with Winhanced, I can see it happening if the developers continue to improve the experience. And in many ways, they already are, and aside from the issues I mentioned, I prefer Xbox’s own implementation, which doesn’t feel like a console in its current state.
There are a few ideas I’d like to see added. The ability to view showcases like Steam or Xbox directly within the app would be great, although I’m not sure how realistic that is, and more customization options to mirror an Xbox-style dashboard would be appreciated.
An installer-style screen showing game updates, currently installing, and recently installed items would also be a nice touch. It’s something Xbox already does well, and it should help round out the overall experience here.
As I’ve said a million times now, the team is incredibly responsive, and the reason I want more from Winhanced is because I can see how much potential it has. As a developer I’ve talked to, I can see it being talked about in the same vein as something like Playnite in a year.
The app isn’t at version 1.0 yet, but things are going well to get it there, and while there’s still a lot to do, the team is clearly hard at work. However, what’s already here feels like the foundation of something really special, and it’s totally worth checking out if you’re as sick of Xbox software as I am.
If I’ve sold you on Winhanced or are just interested, be sure to join them Controversy and let the team know and of course don’t forget to support the developers on them Patreon.
👉 If you want to install Winhanced, you can do so by clicking here.
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