As rumors surrounding Microsoft’s Xbox handheld gaming device continue to swirl, it’s no surprise that speculation is building in light of the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck’s popularity. Although no formal announcement has been made, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer’s statements suggest that a portable gaming device is a significant part of Xbox’s future strategy.
In a recent interview with Bloomberg, he reiterated his stance on the handheld sector, acknowledging that market expectations are high for the company to make a move in this space. While prototypes are currently in development, Spencer notes that any resulting tool will likely still be several years away from fruition, despite the promising early progress made thus far.
Twelve months ago, Spencer was reticent when discussing Microsoft’s potential plans for an Xbox handheld, citing “nothing to announce” at the time. Rumors quickly circulated that the company was indeed developing prototypes for a portable Xbox gaming device.
Whether this tool ultimately becomes an integral part of Microsoft’s hardware strategy for the next generation of gaming remains uncertain, but the timeline aligns perfectly, with Spencer confirming that a portable Xbox device is still several years away.