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.