The long-rumoured Xbox handheld device has finally been officially acknowledged by CEO of Microsoft Gaming, Phil Spencer. Speaking to Bloomberg, Spencer confirmed that the handheld device is currently in development, but we won’t be seeing it for a few years.
Talk of a Steam Deck-style device from Microsoft has been circulating since the beginning of 2024. Given its place in the industry as both a hardware and software powerhouse, it makes sense that Xbox would design a device to get more gamers to use its products. However, according to Spencer, Microsoft won’t just put out a device to compete with what’s currently in the market.
“[E]xpectation is that we would do something,” Spencer said. “I think our team could do some real innovative work, but we want to be informed by learning and what’s happening now.”
Earlier in the year, Spencer expressed interest in the handheld space, sharing his love for the Lenovo Legion Go. He had plenty of thoughts on how an Xbox handheld should feel, going so far as to talk about the lack of cross-saving in Fallout 76. And I’m not going to lie, the idea has me excited. Xbox hardware — red ring of death aside — has always been really solid. And with games like Avowed, Montreal-made South of Midnight and Fable right around the corner, it would be incredible to play them on-the-go without needing to stream them.
Now don’t get me wrong, the Steam Deck is still one of the my favourite devices from the last few years, but it doesn’t support Game Pass. And while Game Pass isn’t the deal it used to be due to the increasing price of the service, it’s still hard to beat when it comes to day-one exclusives.
The next generation could be make or break for Xbox as a console maker, so a handheld could be just what they need.
Source: Bloomberg
MobileSyrup may earn a commission from purchases made via our links, which helps fund the journalism we provide free on our website. These links do not influence our editorial content. Support us here.
