Microsoft Confirms It’s Working On Portable Gaming Device

Microsoft Confirms It's Working On Portable Gaming Device

Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft is working on a handheld gaming device that won’t be available for a few years.
  • The success of the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck shows a market for portable gaming devices.
  • The handheld system could be closely tied to Xbox Game Pass.

As a longtime gamer and tech enthusiast who’s seen the evolution of gaming consoles, I must say I’m thrilled by Microsoft’s foray into the portable gaming world. The prospect of a handheld Xbox device, especially with its potential integration with Xbox Game Pass, is nothing short of exciting!


Microsoft is currently developing a portable gaming device, but it’s important to note that this project is still in its initial phases, meaning you might not see it on store shelves for several years yet.

For a substantial period, it was primarily Nintendo that held sway in the mobile gaming arena, an area where the Xbox brand had not yet made its mark.

Currently, a variety of portable devices like the Steam Deck from Valve are widely available. So, it’s not surprising that Microsoft might decide to join the trend too.

Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, recently discussed the Xbox brand with Bloomberg UK. He revealed that Microsoft is developing prototypes for a portable gaming device.

“Although the company is working on prototypes and considering what it might do, Spencer also asked his group to look at the market and develop its vision based on what it learns. Such a device is a few years out, he said.”

It looks like we’re still a couple of years from seeing this new handheld device on the market. There’s a chance it might be launched simultaneously with the next-generation Xbox console, serving perhaps as an accompanying system.

Microsoft Could Be Going The Steam Deck Route

Microsoft Confirms It's Working On Portable Gaming Device

The runaway success of the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck proves there’s a rabid market for portable gaming devices that can easily be hooked up to a TV for a big-screen experience.

If Microsoft decides to join the market, it will have an advantage due to its existing Windows gaming platform and Xbox Game Pass service. It’s likely that any new entry might include a Game Pass subscription, granting immediate access to a vast collection of games.

As a gamer, I’m always on the lookout for games that don’t require high-end hardware to run smoothly, and fortunately, most of the titles in Game Pass fit the bill. On top of that, when I want to dive into some larger, more graphically demanding games, Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming service comes in handy. It allows me to play these games without needing a powerful console or PC setup.

It’s quite plausible that the upcoming portable gaming system will resemble the Steam Deck in its design. There’s speculation that the future edition of the Xbox Series S, which is known for being less powerful and more affordable, might be the portable option, coexisting with more robust hardware.

In the coming years, Microsoft won’t monopolize the handheld market alone, as Nintendo is developing a follow-up to the Switch. Meanwhile, although Valve has hinted that a new Steam Deck isn’t imminent, there’s still a strong likelihood of its release in the future.

Regardless of the situation, Microsoft can expect tough rivalry from Nintendo’s latest gaming console, along with various portable devices such as smartphones.

Perhaps, the charm of an exclusive Xbox Game Pass device could propel Microsoft’s upcoming hardware projects successfully.

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2024-11-13 17:08