Xbox PC Gaming Handheld Device Still a Few Years Away: Xbox Chief

Highlights

• Xbox Chief said the company is exploring prototypes for an Xbox handheld device.
• The device is still a few years away.
• The focus is currently on improving the Xbox app experience.

Although there are plenty of PC-based handheld consoles that support Xbox apps and Game Pass, fans have always wondered when Microsoft will develop a dedicated Xbox handheld of its own.

We have previously read about the company developing something similar but no official sources have ever revealed any details. Now, a tiny hint is coming directly from the horse’s mouth.

Xbox Chief Phil Spencer recently shared insights with Bloomberg explaining how Microsoft is experimenting with prototypes and planning for a product in the segment. “[The] expectation is that we would do something [in that category],” Spencer said.

However, Spencer also maintained that an Xbox handheld is still a few years away. He noted that the Xbox team is currently focused on improving the Xbox app experience on existing handhelds, which he admits is “good but not great” on some devices.

Spencer further hinted that innovation is on the horizon. He was quoted in multiple media reports saying, “Longer term, I love us building devices. And I think our team could do some real innovative work, but we want to be informed by learning and what’s happening now.”

He also expressed optimism about more open platforms giving both users and creators greater choice: “I think the ball is moving in the right direction…you see the momentum, right?”

Android Authority in one of its recent reports highlighted that one ongoing challenge for Windows-based handhelds is their compatibility with controller-based gameplay.

This has often been hindered by Windows’ less-than-ideal user interface for controllers and it is a problem Microsoft will need to address for a dedicated handheld.

Earlier this year in an interview with IGN’s Ryan McCaffrey, Spencer spoke of a potential Xbox gaming handheld PC device. Spencer was quoted, “So we should have handheld? I think we should have a handheld, too!” When asked more about the project, Spencer added, “The future for us in hardware is pretty awesome. And the work that the team is doing around different form factors, different ways to play, I’m incredibly excited about it.”

He also praised handheld devices like the Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and Steam Deck mentioning that if Xbox were to create its own handheld, local play would be an important feature to include. “I’ll put it this way: I like my ROG Ally, my Lenovo Legion Go – fantastic – my Steam Deck. I think being able to play games locally is really important,” Spencer said.

In any case, we know very little about Microsoft’s hardware projects and it remains to be seen what unique features an Xbox handheld could offer.

FAQs

Q1. When can we expect an Xbox handheld device from Microsoft?

Answer. According to Xbox Chief Phil Spencer, an Xbox handheld device is still a few years away, as the company is currently focused on improving the Xbox app experience on existing handhelds.

Q2. What did Phil Spencer say about the Xbox handheld device?

Answer. Xbox Chief Phil Spencer mentioned that Microsoft is experimenting with prototypes and planning for a product in the handheld segment, with the expectation to eventually build devices.

Q3. What are some popular handheld gaming devices?

Answer. Popular handheld devices include the Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go and Steam Deck.

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