Microsoft Aims to Bring ‘Best of Xbox and Windows’ to Handheld Console

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Summary

  • Microsoft plans to enter the handheld gaming market, combining the best aspects of Xbox and Windows.
  • Details on Xbox’s handheld console are scarce, but the company is serious about entering the mobile gaming world.
  • Microsoft aims to make Windows better for handheld gaming by improving functionality and creating a more consistent experience.

Microsoft’s move into handheld gaming is said to offer a blend of the best features from both Xbox and Windows gaming environments. As the Switch 2 nears launch, portable computing devices gaining traction, and Sony introducing the PlayStation Portal, there’s a surge in portable gaming hardware. Seizing this momentum, Xbox aims to join the fray and enhance Windows as an optimal platform for mobile gaming experiences.

Although services from Xbox can currently be found on portable devices such as the Razer Edge and Logitech G Cloud, Microsoft has not yet introduced their own hardware in this sector. However, this situation may alter in the future, as Xbox’s CEO for Gaming, Phil Spencer, has revealed that they are developing a handheld console. Further details about the project are limited at present. Despite the lack of information regarding the release date and design of the portable Xbox, it is clear that Microsoft is committed to exploring mobile gaming experiences.

In a conversation with The Verge, Jason Ronald, Vice President of Next Generation at Microsoft, subtly suggested that Xbox might be venturing into a portable direction this year, potentially leading to an official unveiling of the upcoming handheld device. Ronald further explained Microsoft’s strategy in portable gaming, stating they aim to harmonize Xbox and Windows for a seamless user experience. It’s logical for Microsoft to strive for a more Xbox-like atmosphere on Windows since devices like the ROG Ally X demonstrate that Windows can be cumbersome and problematic when it comes to handheld usage, due to its awkward navigation and complex troubleshooting.

Microsoft Wants to Make Windows Great for Handheld Gaming

Ronald underscored Microsoft’s ambition for Windows to excel as a gaming platform across all devices, including handhelds. This means improving Windows’ functionality beyond mouse and keyboard use, as he pointed out that initially, Windows was not optimized for joystick control, which can negatively impact portable PC gaming. To achieve this, Microsoft plans to draw inspiration from the Xbox console operating system. These objectives are in line with Phil Spencer’s previous statements, who expressed a desire for handheld PCs to mimic an Xbox-like experience, ensuring a uniform user experience regardless of the hardware being used.

Emphasizing functionality more prominently could give Microsoft an edge in the competitive portable gaming market, possibly through improvements to their portable operating system or the launch of a first-party handheld console. Since Halo, one of Microsoft’s iconic properties, experiences technical issues on platforms like Steam Deck, prioritizing user experience could greatly benefit Xbox by designing an optimized handheld environment for its flagship series. When portable PCs can run games like Halo with similar performance to a regular Xbox, it would mark significant progress for Microsoft. However, the specific details of their future plans remain unknown, so fans will have to stay tuned for updates later this year.

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2025-01-08 19:23