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Microsoft appears poised to dive into the handheld gaming market by marrying the best elements of both Xbox and Windows. With anticipation for the Switch 2 growing, handheld PCs gaining traction, and Sony unveiling the PlayStation Portal, the spotlight is very much on portable gaming devices. Xbox is now ready to join the fray and sees this as a golden chance to refine Windows, enhancing its suitability for gaming on the move.
Even though Xbox services can already be enjoyed on portable consoles like the Razer Edge and Logitech G Cloud, Microsoft hasn’t yet stepped into this hardware territory with its own device. However, that’s set to change. Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft Gaming, has confirmed that Xbox is indeed developing a handheld console, although specific details are still under wraps. Nevertheless, this confirms that Microsoft is fully committed to embracing the shift towards mobile gaming.
Interestingly, Jason Ronald, Microsoft’s VP of Next Generation, offered some insights in a conversation with The Verge. He suggested that more updates could be on the horizon this year, possibly hinting at an official announcement regarding the new handheld. Ronald elaborated on the strategy for Xbox’s foray into portable gaming, asserting that they aim to merge the prime facets of Xbox and Windows for a seamless experience. Given the performance struggles of devices like the ROG Ally X—which highlight how Windows often falters on handhelds due to clunky navigation and troubleshooting—it makes perfect sense for Microsoft to smooth these rough edges.
Ronald further stressed Microsoft’s ambition to make Windows an excellent platform for gaming across all devices, handhelds included. This ambition involves redesigning Windows to function more seamlessly without traditional inputs like a mouse and keyboard. He mentioned that Windows’ current design isn’t joystick-friendly, which can detract from the experience on portable PCs. Microsoft looks set to draw inspiration from the Xbox console operating system to tackle these issues. This aligns with Phil Spencer’s previous remarks about wanting handheld PCs to deliver a consistent feel akin to using an Xbox, ensuring a uniform experience regardless of the device.
A commitment to improved functionality could distinguish Microsoft in the portable gaming landscape. Whether this leads to a revamped operating system or the launch of their own handheld console, the emphasis seems to be on creating a more player-friendly environment. Games like Halo, which face technical challenges on devices such as the Steam Deck, could benefit greatly from this approach. Ensuring that portable PCs can run major titles, like Halo, as smoothly as a traditional Xbox would mark significant progress for Microsoft. However, precise details of what the company plans to deliver are still under wraps, so fans will need to wait for further announcements later in the year.
