Exploring Options for Third-Parties To Build Xbox-Branded Devices

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Summary

  • Xbox may license branding to third-parties.
  • Microsoft exploring third-party hardware partnerships.
  • Microsoft planning to enter portable gaming space.

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I find the recent rumors about Xbox branding on third-party devices and Microsoft exploring partnerships with other manufacturers for gaming hardware quite intriguing.

It’s been reported that Microsoft might allow some of its top exclusive games to be played on rival systems. However, an intriguing speculation hints at the possibility of seeing the Xbox logo on hardware that Microsoft doesn’t manufacture itself.

According to reports from Windows Central, there’s a possibility that Microsoft might allow external companies to produce devices with the Xbox brand, potentially even granting them access to use the Xbox operating system directly.

Xbox Gaming Devices Built By Third-Parties Gaining Steam Due to CES 2025

There’s a growing buzz about an upcoming product from Microsoft, fueled by speculation surrounding their presentation at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 2025. Although nothing official has been revealed yet, this event could potentially shed some light on what Microsoft might be unveiling.

At CES 2025, tech company Lenovo is hosting a gaming handheld event with a few notable attendees confirmed, including Pierre-Loup Griffais, designer of Valve’s Steam Deck, and Jason Ronald, Vice President of Xbox Gaming Devices and Ecosystem at Microsoft. Interestingly, Ronald has been referred to as Microsoft’s “VP of the next generation.

Is it possible for Ronald to discuss Windows gaming on Lenovo’s portable gaming device during the event, or perhaps another topic altogether? Just because Ronald may not make any announcements at the event, it doesn’t necessarily mean that this small piece of speculation is false.

Microsoft’s head of the Xbox division, Phil Spencer, has openly admitted that they are developing a portable gaming device for Xbox, but it won’t be available for quite some time. To speed up their entry into the market for handheld gaming devices, they might consider allowing other companies to produce devices bearing the Xbox brand and even using the Xbox operating system.

In the past few months, Microsoft has shifted its Xbox gaming strategy from primarily focusing on selling Xbox Series X|S consoles by offering exclusive games as a major attraction, towards emphasizing cloud gaming. This change includes revealing major first-party games for rival platforms well ahead of their release. If the recent gossip is true, Microsoft could also be exploring portable gaming as another way to extend its gaming reach even more.

Not only is Microsoft aiming to boost their income with handheld gaming, but it’s also been suggested that Sony might be developing a PS5 portable console as well. However, it seems like we won’t see this device hitting the market any time soon. These rumors hint at both companies planning to make inroads into the profitable portable gaming market, which has been largely controlled by Nintendo since the debut of the original Game Boy in 1989.

Just like any piece of gossip, don’t believe it fully just yet. The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 2025 is scheduled to start on January 7, 2025. We’ll keep you updated if Microsoft decides to unveil any gaming plans for Xbox during that event.

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2024-12-21 23:38