Skip to main content
This path is for teams shipping to Windows PCs and Windows handhelds like the ROG XBOX Ally. You’ll build with the GDK on Windows and account for handheld-specific concerns — controller-first input, power, and smaller screens.
Is this the right path for you? Pick this if you’re targeting Windows desktops and/or handhelds. If you also ship to XBOX consoles, look at XBOX Series X|S or the combined Play Anywhere path. Using Unreal or Unity? Start at Unreal or Unity.

​
Before you start

Make sure the following are in place. If anything is missing, go back to the Home guided path.
  • ID@XBOX onboarding complete — see ID@XBOX onboarding.
  • Dev PC ready — Visual Studio, Windows SDK, and the GDK installed. See Setup & install.
  • A test handheld or PC representative of your target hardware.
  • Partner Center product with the desktop and/or handheld device rows checked.

​
Build & develop

GDK on PC

Build with the GDK on Windows.

Handheld considerations

Input, power, and screen size.

Packaging

Package MSIX for Windows.

MicrosoftGame.config

Configure your title.

Input

Gamepad, keyboard, and touch.

Debugging

Debug on Windows.

​
Add services

XBOX Services

Identity, presence, social.

PlayFab

LiveOps, economy, multiplayer.

​
Publish

Overview

Publishing basics.

XBOX Requirements

XR compliance.

Certification

Cert process.

Store listing

Product page.

Pricing

Pricing.

Ratings

Age ratings.

​
Optimize & reference

Optimize

Profilers, diagnostics, and performance tools.

API References

Gaming Runtime, XBOX Services, and platform APIs.
Last modified on August 21, 2026

Related topics

PC handheld overviewXBOX Series X|S overviewUnity overviewPorting overviewPlay Anywhere (Console + PC) overview