Summary
Microsoft’s venture into handheld gaming will reportedly be the best of both worlds betweenXboxand Windows experiences. With the Switch 2 fast approaching, handheld PCs becoming more common, and Sony releasing the PlayStation Portal, portable gaming hardware is having a moment. Now,Xboxwants to get in on the fun and use it as an opportunity to make Windows a better platform for gaming on the go.
While Xbox services are already available on portable consoles like the Razer Edge and Logitech G Cloud, the company has yet to release its own hardware in this area. That will change in the future, as Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer hasconfirmed Xbox is working on a handheld console, although details beyond that remain scarce. Regardless of when the portable Xbox releases or what it will look like, Microsoft is taking the shift to mobile gaming experiences seriously.
Jason Ronald, VP of Next Generation at Microsoft, hinted at Xbox’s portable future in an interview withThe Verge, saying more updates could come later this year — which could possibly point to an official announcement about the upcoming handheld. Ronald also offered more clarity about the company’s approach to portable gaming, saying it’s “bringing the best of Xbox and Windows together” for a more cohesive experience. It makes sense that Microsoft would want to make Windows feel more like Xbox, as the performance of devices like the ROG Ally Xshowcases how Windows doesn’t play nice on handhelds, thanks to clunky navigation and tricky troubleshooting.
Microsoft Wants to Make Windows Great for Handheld Gaming
Ronald emphasized how Microsoft wants Windows to be a great platform for gaming on all platforms, handhelds included. That includes making Windows function better without a mouse and keyboard, as Ronald specifically highlighted how Windows wasn’t designed to be used with joysticks, which can hinder the portable PC experience. To do that, Microsoft will look to the Xbox console operating system for inspiration. These goals align with earlier statements from Phil Spencer, who said hewants handheld PCs to feel more like an Xbox, so everyone can have a consistent experience, regardless of the hardware they use.
A bigger focus on functionality could help Microsoft set itself apart in the portable gaming arena in the future, whether that means a revamped portable OS or a first-party handheld console. Iconic Microsoft propertyHalosuffers from technical issues on Steam Deck, so an experienced-focus approach could help Xbox by creating a better handheld environment for its flagship franchise. Once portable PCs play titles likeHalosimilarly to a mainline Xbox, it’d be a big step forward for Microsoft. Of course, what specifically the company has in store has yet to be seen, so fans will have to wait until later in the year to learn more.
