The upsurge of handheld gaming devices initiated by the introduction of the Steam Deck has sparked a significant interest and curiosity among gaming enthusiasts. Many have begun to wonder about the future prospects of a handheld version from Microsoft’s Xbox, a staple in the gaming industry for over two decades. Here, we delve deeply into the potential avenues and existing strategies Microsoft seems to be adopting in the fast-evolving handheld gaming segment.

Where is Microsoft’s handheld Xbox?

In recent years, we have seen a surge of handhelds entering the gaming market, from renowned brands like Asus with its ROG Ally to Lenovo’s freshly announced Legion Go handheld PC. Amidst this wave, it is intriguing to note the silence from Microsoft regarding an Xbox handheld, especially considering its long history and the demand for a portable version from its fan base.

Over the past 20 years, Sony has been at the forefront of portable gaming with offerings like the PlayStation Portable (PSP) and the PlayStation Vita, even unveiling plans for a new $199.99 PlayStation Portal set to launch this November. In contrast, Microsoft appears to have adopted a device-agnostic approach, focusing on enabling gaming on various devices through streaming services rather than developing a handheld Xbox of its own. This approach has its roots more than a decade ago when they were experimenting with a seven-inch gaming tablet prototype.

To Cloud or Not to Cloud?

Microsoft has heavily leaned on its Xbox Game Pass subscription model, encouraging gaming on diverse platforms, including iOS and Android, using cloud services. This method essentially turns a mobile phone into an Xbox controller on the move, albeit with potential interruptions from notifications, calls, and connectivity issues that can hamper the gaming experience.

Although Microsoft has taken steps to enhance cloud gaming on its Surface Duo, the experiences are yet not seamless. A dedicated cloud gaming handheld could be the solution, eliminating the distractions and battery issues commonly associated with phone-based gaming. Despite their collaboration with Logitech on a cloud-focused handheld device, the official Xbox cloud gaming handheld seems to be on hold.

Inside sources revealed that Microsoft had been developing a lightweight version of the Xbox user interface compatible with handheld devices and TVs. However, the dedicated cloud console, initially announced in 2021, was shelved as the focus shifted towards TV streaming apps. Despite some units being produced under the codename Project Keystone, the project faced a significant setback with shifts in personnel and strategy changes within the company, mainly due to regulatory scrutiny over the proposed Activision Blizzard deal.

Windows Handhelds Require Microsoft’s Intervention

The ongoing cloud concerns and regulatory hurdles make the emergence of a cloud-powered Xbox handheld or console highly unlikely in the near future. However, there is a growing expectation that Microsoft might venture into creating a Windows-powered Steam Deck rival, a device that doesn’t rely on cloud services and offers a seamless PC gaming experience on the go.

Presently, Asus’ ROG Ally is making waves as the preferred device for PC Game Pass on handhelds. Phil Spencer, Xbox chief, praised the device in a recent interview, highlighting its potential to provide an excellent Xbox experience without being a Microsoft product. Nevertheless, to foster growth in this sector, Microsoft needs to improve the user experience substantially, addressing the prevalent issue of Windows’ scalability to smaller devices.

Despite attempts by Asus and Lenovo to overlay Windows, the real solution seems to lie in Microsoft’s intervention to enhance the handheld experience. Initiatives may include introducing features like Quick Resume for Windows gamers and developing a special Windows 11 UI for handhelds that is tailored for touchscreens and controllers.

Considering the booming popularity of handheld devices, with the Steam Deck estimated to reach 3 million sales this year and rumors of a new Nintendo Switch on the horizon, Microsoft appears poised to make significant strides. Whether it is enhancing the Xbox Cloud Gaming services or investing more in Windows-based handhelds, the scope for growth is immense, potentially paving the way for an era dominated by Xbox handhelds in the near future.

In conclusion, although a dedicated Xbox handheld seems distant, there is a strong possibility of witnessing a surge in Windows-powered handhelds with an enriched Xbox-like user experience. It represents a vital growth avenue that Microsoft is expected to explore vigorously, aligning with the current market trends and the evolving demands of the gaming community.

Also Read: