Is the latest Xbox a better gaming console than the Sony PlayStation 5? We are in no mood to ignite a steaming debate once again between the fans of either party.
However, it is difficult to deny that Microsoft has taken drastic steps in recent years to make the Xbox ecosystem a tempting platform for gamers of all ages. Be it the cutting-edge Xbox Series X, the more accessible yet capable Xbox Series S or Xbox Cloud Gaming, there is always a suitable way for Xbox gamers to get their dose of joypad bashing. Joining this collection could be a new handheld Xbox console, possibly altering the future of the gaming market.
But why do we need a handheld Xbox console? After all, Microsoft has been pushing Cloud Gaming as the next best way to access your video games on any device and releasing another dedicated hardware might seem counterproductive. Critics, however, argue that devices like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck have shown a thriving category of gamers who want to experience their console video games on the move without caring about internet connectivity.
With Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, talking about a handheld Xbox console at the Game Developer Conference (GDC) 2024, there are all the more reasons for us to discuss Xbox’s portable console and how it would stack up against its rivals.
Xbox handheld console: Exploring its rumoured features, specifications
Before we begin, remember Microsoft has not confirmed the handheld Xbox console, so it remains a rumour for now. With that out of the way, let’s dive in.
Handheld consoles have been around for decades and are good for playing causal indie games that don’t require a lot of computing power. A great example is the Nintendo Switch which continues to sell like hotcakes despite more powerful rivals available in the market.
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Players like Lenovo and Asus have tried their hands on modern handheld gaming consoles that rely on the Windows OS to deliver a PC-like gaming experience. While it works, the experience is far from pleasant. The hardware is often underpowered and Windows isn’t well suited for compact handheld consoles with joypad buttons and touchscreen inputs.
This is where Phil Spencer believes that an Xbox handheld console fits perfectly. The current Xbox consoles rely on software based on Windows but the creators have optimised it for better results. On a handheld device, the Xbox interface could make a huge difference to the user experience. You have a joypad-friendly UI that makes it easy to navigate to your favourite games and download the latest ones from the Microsoft Store.
Spencer emphasises both the hardware and software aspects of a handheld console. While he wants the Xbox team to develop a console that boots you right into the Xbox app and syncs all the in-game progressions in your installed titles, he also understands that there are existing players on other handheld devices who should get a refined experience.
An Xbox handheld console along with great software should be able to deliver the optimum experience without making players on other handhelds feel left out in comparison. The Xbox ecosystem benefits like access to the Game Pass subscriptions and Quick Resume should also be available on these handheld consoles.
Decoding the rumours surrounding the Xbox handheld console
Based on Spencer’s quotes, it seems that the Xbox team is considering releasing a handheld console in the near future, especially after arch-rival Sony announced a handheld accessory for the PS5 console. Considering all the rumours, here’s what we think this handheld Xbox console could offer.
– Similar to the ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go, the Xbox handheld could be based on an ARM-based chipset tuned for console-quality gaming. The device could stick to a familiar form factor by splitting the classic Xbox wireless controller with a compact tablet-sized touchscreen display.
– Microsoft could be aiming to replicate Nintendo’s software ecosystem by offering an optimised version of the Xbox console experience. Similar to the Series X and Series S consoles, you could only download games from the Microsoft Store. Xbox’s popular Game Pass subscription could be one of the key selling points for this device.
– For video games demanding more firepower, Microsoft could rely on its Cloud Gaming service. For example, if the Xbox handheld struggles to run GTA 6, it could simply rely on the cloud service to stream the game at a much better quality.
– The Xbox handheld console could co-exist alongside the Series X and Series S consoles. Microsoft could offer it at a competitive price to make it a luring alternative to the upcoming Switch 2 console as well as existing Windows-based handheld consoles.
Xbox handheld console’s expected release date
As of now, the handheld Xbox console is just a rumour and Microsoft is yet to comment on a handheld wearing the iconic Xbox logo. Phil Spencer says that the Xbox team is exploring options for the future Xbox console lineup and there is a greater possibility to see Microsoft jump on the bandwagon and try to nibble into the market share of Nintendo Switch and its rumoured successor.
Since the Xbox Series X is rumoured to get a minor hardware refresh later in 2024, the Xbox team could be reserving the handheld console for a release in 2028 when Microsoft is likely to release the next-gen gaming consoles.
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(Hero and Featured Image Credits: Courtesy Asus / Representational Image)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What will be the features of the Xbox handheld console?
The Xbox handheld console is expected to be loosely based on the Asus Ally console while running the proprietary Xbox user interface for a streamlined experience.
– What about Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live on the handheld console?
Microsoft is expected to bring access to the Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live on its handheld console.
– How will Xbox Cloud Gaming work on the handheld console?
The Xbox Cloud Gaming could be introduced to the Xbox handheld console to support demanding games in their best graphical settings.
– What will be the hardware specifications of the Xbox handheld console?
Microsoft is yet to reveal the hardware specifications of the rumoured Xbox handheld console.
