Winhanced has officially announced the beta release date for version 1.0. After teasing the update earlier this week, the developer (Floop) confirmed on the project’s Discord server that the Winhanced 1.0 beta will launch on October 31. Winhanced can be seen as an alternative to the Xbox Full Screen Experience, providing a more console-like interface for Windows handhelds.

Alongside the release date, Floop also shared details about how Winhanced will be handled financially after version 1.0 arrives. Most importantly, the application isn’t moving behind a subscription or traditional paywall. Winhanced is free and “will stay free,” moving forward, with users continuing to receive the complete application without spending a penny.

Fans can still support the project

The free version will include all of Winhanced’s features, future updates, and bug fixes. There won’t be a separate stripped-down version that removes features to encourage users to upgrade. Instead, Winhanced will introduce several completely optional ways for people to financially support its continued development.

One of these is an Early Access tier priced at $39 as a one-time payment. Supporters will receive permanent early access to upcoming features, generally around one patch before those features become available to everyone. They’ll also receive a special Discord role and access to private supporter channels.

There will also be a $99 one-time Supporter tier, which includes the Early Access benefits while adding the supporter’s name inside Winhanced and on its website.

The only recurring option is an Experimental tier costing $7.99 per month. This is aimed at users interested in actively testing features while they’re still being developed. Experimental builds won’t follow a fixed release schedule and could contain unfinished features, ideas being tested, and other changes that aren’t ready for the main application.

The developer explained that the new model is intended to help fund what has become a significant development commitment without forcing regular users into a subscription. One of the original goals behind Winhanced was to provide a better Windows gaming experience while breaking down barriers between different gaming ecosystems and launchers.

Paying won’t provide access to a better or more complete version of Winhanced either. The main difference is that supporters will be able to test certain features earlier, while everyone else will eventually receive the same functionality for free.

About the Author

Abdul Haddi

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