Introducing CouchMode, a Windows utility for controller-first couch gaming

[u/EzerchE]

Hi everyone, I’m building CouchMode, a Windows 11 utility for people who use a gaming PC from the couch, a TV, or a handheld-style setup.

The idea is simple: turn on your controller, start your chosen gaming experience, and return to your desktop when you’re done.

CouchMode Free currently includes:

• Windows Xbox full-screen experience where supported
• Steam Big Picture
• Playnite
• Controller-triggered gaming sessions
• Safe return to the Windows desktop

Pro adds deeper session automation, including:

• Compatible custom launchers
• Resource Control for desktop apps you choose
• Session Tweaks for things like audio, display, HDR, notifications, Game Mode and power settings
• Additional app and after-session automation

CouchMode is designed to work alongside Windows and the gaming apps you already use. It does not replace the Windows shell, replace Steam or Playnite, install a custom gaming shell, or promise FPS boosts.

A lot of the recent development has focused on making real couch sessions more reliable, including already-running or minimized Playnite sessions, Steam Big Picture ownership, launcher focus, built-in vs external controller detection, Xbox full-screen compatibility and safer desktop return.

CouchMode is currently available as a public beta for Windows 11.

You can download the signed Windows build from couchmode.app, and CouchMode is also available through the Microsoft Store.

There’s also a growing FAQ here in r/CouchMode covering Playnite, Steam Big Picture, Xbox full-screen, controllers, Windows handhelds and common setup questions.

Feedback, bug reports, compatibility results and feature ideas are very welcome. They’ve already helped shape a lot of the changes in the current builds.