A recent interview with Xbox head Phil Spencer confirms long-speculated rumors about a very real possibility. Despite the excitement surrounding Microsoft’s entry into the gaming handheld market, the company’s gaming chief has tempered expectations by stating that their upcoming Steam Deck competitor won’t be available to consumers for several years.
As the Steam Deck and partnerships between Xbox and Logitech G Cloud, as well as Asus’ ROG Ally, have created a non-stop narrative pace, the entrance of Microsoft’s handheld offering has maintained its momentum. While a concept is evident in these works, its realization appears to require a significant amount of time before it can fully materialize.
Before the team decides on a concept, the Xbox group still has a way to go. According to a Bloomberg interview, the Xbox hardware team is still in the initial stages of conceptualization. Before diving into prototyping, Spencer suggests taking a step back to assess the overall landscape, acknowledging the need for a comprehensive understanding before moving forward.
A crucial aspect of that process is ensuring the Xbox app functions seamlessly. Windows on handheld devices is often criticized for its limitations. Compared to Valve’s SteamOS, a custom-built Linux model, the operating system currently faces difficulties in providing straightforward technical assistance.
While many producers typically bundle handhelds with their proprietary launchers, these often serve solely to access platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, or the Xbox app. While the PC Xbox app has undergone numerous updates in recent months to improve stability and functionality, its optimal usage still necessitates the combination of a mouse and keyboard for an enhanced gaming experience. Not best for a handheld.
Valve’s handheld gaming devices primarily utilize Microsoft Windows 11 to offer gamers seamless access to a vast library of games. Although Linux-based systems, including SteamOS, offer access to a vast array of games through the Steam platform, they are unfortunately precluded from participating in certain multiplayer experiences or enjoying popular apps like Xbox’s SportsCross.
Rumors of Xbox exploring a foray into handheld gaming emerged last year, mere weeks prior to the release of the ROG Ally. During an internal hackathon at a prominent technology firm, a developer created a custom consumer interface prototype dubbed “Windows Handheld Mode.” Although this project has yet to receive an official release, its existence hints at the company’s internal explorations and decision-making processes regarding its future direction.
On the hardware front, Spencer confesses a passion for “crafting innovative devices.” His long-term vision appears to be centered on making the company “astute” in understanding current developments by staying abreast of industry advancements.
While the brand-new Xbox handheld may be years in the making, the gaming landscape is currently inundated with options. While opinions may vary among gamers, the Steam Deck remains a top choice for many due to its seamless integration with the Steam library and impressive gaming capabilities. However, should Microsoft successfully explore this space, it could potentially disrupt the status quo once it achieves mainstream recognition.
