Back in September 2023, a leaked document from the Microsoft FTC court case suggested that an Xbox handheld could be in development. In the year since, this rumored handheld has been the subject of much speculation, and in November,Xbox head Phil Spencerfinally confirmed that an Xbox handheld was indeed in development, though he stated it might be a while before it sees the light of day. But this gives theHalofranchise plenty of time to prepare.
Halohas gone through some pretty big changes recently. Back in October, 343 Industries announced that all futureHaloprojects would now use Unreal Engine 5 rather thanHaloInfinite’s Slipspace Engine. 343 also announced that it was undergoing a rebrand, adopting the new title “Halo Studios.” It’s unclear how Halo Studios will christen its new engine and name, but a one-two punch for the upcoming Xbox handheld could be massive for both the long-running Sci-Fi franchise and Xbox.
A One-Two Punch From Halo Could Be An Immediate Win for Xbox’s Handheld
It’s Time for a New Mainline Halo Game
TheHalofranchise has been fairly consistent when it comes to release schedules. Even amid the chaos of a new developer taking over the franchise after Bungie’s departure,a new mainlineHaloentryhas been released every 4–6 years. It’s been about three years sinceHalo Infinitefirst hit Xbox consoles and PC, and that means fans have started to speculate about when they might see a new game.
WhileHalo Infinitehas managed to pull itself back from the brink numerous times and is now an enjoyableongoing live-service multiplayer experience, many fans long for something completely new. And, based on its recent rebrand and engine change, it seems as though Halo Studios may want to wipe the slate clean as well.
This fresh start should come in the form of a new mainlineHaloentry, one that clearly showcases the benefits of switching to Unreal Engine 5. Releasing this newHalogame alongsideXbox’s upcoming handheldwould also be a great way to showcase the portable console’s capabilities, using the flagship franchise once again to show an Xbox console’s technical prowess.
A Halo Wars Sequel Could Target a Different Audience
For a Sci-Fi universe as expansive asHalo’s, it’s surprising how few spinoffs the franchise is home to. But by far the most popularHalospinoff (aside fromHalo 3: ODST) istheHalo Warssub-series. Making its debut in 2009 and returning with a sequel in 2017,Halo Warsis an RTS spinoff that sees players build and control an army of iconic UNSC, Covenant, and Banished units.
It’s been seven years sinceHalo Wars 2released, and while a few story DLCs released after its initial launch, fans of the RTS sub-series have been asking for a fully-fledged sequel for quite some time. WhileaHalo Warssequelwouldn’t be as big of a draw as a new mainlineHaloentry, it would still be a great addition to the Xbox handheld’s eventual launch line-up, showcasing the console’s diverse library and the presumed versatility of its control scheme.
Halo Infinite
WHERE TO PLAY
When all hope is lost and humanity’s fate hangs in the balance, the Master Chief is ready to confront the most ruthless foe he’s ever faced. Step inside the armor of humanity’s greatest hero to experience an epic open-world adventure and explore the massive scale of the Halo ring.With Network Campaign Co-Op and Mission Replay, you’re able to relive your favorite moments, rediscover collectibles and explore the wonders of Zeta Halo on your own or with up to three other fireteam members.Experience Halo’s celebrated multiplayer reimagined and free-to-play! With over 70 maps in matchmaking, billions of customization configurations, and countless community Forge creations to experience, Halo Infinite is the franchise’s most expansive multiplayer offering to date.Enjoy an unprecedented variety of gameplay experiences, ranging from fast-paced intense ranked modes to whimsical mayhem in Custom Games, or even co-operative coordination in the wave-based survival mode Firefight: King of the Hill. Assemble your Fireteam and conquer every mode – Halo offers endless opportunities for teamwork, strategy, and unforgettable victories.
