Xbox FSE alternative Winhanced has hit version 0.9.9.8, and the developer describes it (on the Winhanced Discord server) as the app’s “biggest update” since the addition of the Store. The update brings several major features to the Windows gaming tool, while also making big changes to how it handles handheld controls, power limits, libraries, controllers, and more.

It’s worth noting that Winhanced 1.0 has been “right around the corner” for a while now, and this major update means we’re closer than ever to its release. The developer behind the software, Floop, says Winhanced will continue to be available in two versions following its full release, ‘Winhanced Free’ and ‘Winhanced Plus’ for paid subscribers.

Winhanced 0.9.9.8 is the biggest update since the Store. Opening the friends details panel now matches the store and game details panels with its own dynamic dock, and messaging your friends on Discord, Steam, Xbox and PlayStation without leaving Winhanced enters early access. The OneXPlayer 3 becomes a fully supported handheld with TDP, fan control, RGB lighting, vibration and full controller remapping. And the way Winhanced sets power limits on every handheld was rebuilt from measured numbers instead of guesswork. Additionally the Library backend was reworked to be more consistent, and I have gutted about 20k total lines of old dead code buildup!

Floop, Winhanced main developer

What does the update offer?

One of the biggest additions is support for the OneXPlayer 3. Winhanced can now take over device controls from OneXConsole, giving users access to TDP controls, fan curves, RGB lighting, vibration settings, and full controller remapping.

The TDP system has also been rebuilt across supported handhelds. Instead of relying on estimated power limits, Winhanced now uses measured hardware values, manufacturer settings, or chip-based calculations. The app also separates battery and plugged-in power limits, which better reflects how handhelds behave in real use.

This change also adds proper power profiles for several devices. The base ROG Ally gets its TDP control back, while the ROG Xbox Ally, OneXPlayer Apex, OneXFly F1 and F1 Pro, and GPD Win Mini now have proper entries. The MSI Claw 8 AI+ also gets a lower Balanced setting of 17W, while the MSI Claw A8 can now go down to 8W.

Winhanced will also stop trying to guess power limits when it does not recognize a device. The developer says the old TDP and overlay code has been removed as part of the cleanup, with around 20,000 lines of old code deleted. Friend details also now appear in a new panel with live activity, shared games, friendship information, and actions such as Join, Launch and Install. Users can also see what games their friends have recently played and which games they have in common.

Messaging is another major addition. It is entering Early Access and allows users to communicate with friends on Discord, Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation without leaving Winhanced. The app also adds unread message indicators and can keep track of conversations across supported platforms.

Favorites can now be added directly from a game’s details panel, while ownership changes such as purchases, refunds, and Game Pass changes can be detected without restarting the app. Custom artwork is also stored separately from cache files, meaning clearing the cache should no longer remove it. Aside from that, several libraries are also leaving Early Access. Emulators and ROM libraries, the Layout system, Ubisoft Connect, Battle.net, EA, and Amazon libraries are now available to everyone.

The developer has also made improvements to Lenovo driver support. Winhanced can now check Lenovo’s support catalog for the exact machine type and install supported driver packages. Driver installations also provide more information if something takes longer than expected or fails.

There are plenty of smaller changes too. For instance, Legion Go controllers get additional RGB, vibration, and remapping improvements, Xbox games can appear without restarting Winhanced, and the app has received a large number of fixes for TDP controls, sleep behavior, displays, libraries, friends, controllers, and the user interface.

About the Author

Abdul Haddi

Abdul is a tech writer and Editor for PC Guide, specializing in all things tech, gaming, and hardware.