Microsoft is set to make a splash in the handheld gaming scene, blending the best features of Xbox and Windows. With the Switch 2 on the horizon, handheld PCs gaining popularity, and Sony launching the PlayStation Portal, portable gaming is really taking off. Now, Xbox is eager to join the excitement and enhance Windows as a top choice for gaming on the move.
Although Xbox services can be enjoyed on portable consoles like the Razer Edge and Logitech G Cloud, Microsoft has yet to unveil its own hardware in this space. This is about to change, as Phil Spencer, the CEO of Microsoft Gaming, has revealed that a handheld console is in the works. While further information is still under wraps, it’s evident that Microsoft is serious about the mobile gaming transition.
In a recent chat with The Verge, Jason Ronald, the VP of Next Generation at Microsoft, teased the possibility of a portable Xbox in the future. He mentioned that more updates might be on the horizon later this year, hinting at a potential official announcement regarding a new handheld device. Ronald also shed light on the company’s vision for portable gaming, emphasizing their goal of merging the best features of Xbox and Windows for a seamless experience. This strategy makes sense, especially considering how devices like the ROG Ally X demonstrate the challenges of using Windows on handhelds, with its cumbersome navigation and troubleshooting issues.
Microsoft Wants to Make Windows Great for Handheld Gaming
Ronald highlighted Microsoft’s ambition to transform Windows into a fantastic gaming platform for all types of devices, including handhelds. He mentioned that Windows was not initially built for joystick use, which can affect the usability of portable PCs. To address this, Microsoft intends to take cues from the Xbox console operating system. This approach is in line with Phil Spencer’s earlier remarks about making handheld PCs feel more like an Xbox, allowing for a seamless experience across different hardware.
A stronger emphasis on functionality might allow Microsoft to carve out a unique space in the portable gaming sector in the future, whether through an improved portable operating system or a proprietary handheld device. The iconic Halo series has encountered some technical difficulties on the Steam Deck, so prioritizing user experience could benefit Xbox by fostering a more robust handheld environment for its key franchise. If portable PCs can deliver Halo’s performance on par with mainline Xbox consoles, it would represent a major leap for Microsoft. Still, the details of what the company has planned are yet to be revealed, so fans will need to stay tuned for more information later this year.