Microsoft is reigniting interest in the possibility of launching a handheld gaming device.
In November 2024, Phil Spencer, the CEO of Xbox, revealed that the company is in the initial phases of developing this idea, though he cautioned that the product likely won’t arrive for several years.
At CES, Jason Ronald, Microsoft’s Vice President of Next Generation, expanded on this vision in an interview with The Verge.
Exploring the Handheld Gaming Vision
Ronald suggested that while the handheld might echo the Xbox experience, it would be more about showcasing a PC-like gaming platform.
During a roundtable discussion titled “The Future of Gaming Handhelds,” he shared insights into Microsoft’s potential direction, emphasizing the two decades of console-building expertise the company has amassed.
The intention is to combine this experience with the flexibility of Windows to craft a user-friendly, portable gaming PC.
The Vice President underscored that the upcoming handheld could ideally harness the strengths of both Xbox and Windows.
He acknowledged that although Microsoft has developed an advanced operating system over the years, its capabilities remain largely centered on consoles.
The goal is to bridge these two realms, simplifying the user interface for smaller screens—an area where Microsoft has faced challenges in the past.
Market Trends and Development Challenges
As the market for handheld gaming devices surges, driven by the popularity of products like Valve’s Steam Deck, Microsoft seems poised to tap into this growing trend.
However, Ronald expressed concern over the limitations of Windows 11 as a gaming platform on portable devices.
He dismissed the idea of adopting a Linux-based system, emphasizing the necessity of creating a handheld device that integrates the familiar Xbox user experience with the support of Windows.
He teased that more details would be revealed later this year.
Additionally, Ronald reiterated Microsoft’s commitment to optimizing Windows for gaming on various devices—a promise that has echoed through many updates of the operating system.
Each major revision introduces expectations for enhanced gaming experiences, even if past initiatives have occasionally fallen flat.
A notable example is Windows Vista’s ill-fated hardware scoring system, which failed to resonate with users.
Designing the Gaming Experience
Yet, Ronald pointed out that the foundation of the Xbox operating system is deeply rooted in Windows code.
Transitioning from an Xbox-like interface to a handheld gaming format shouldn’t be excessively complex.
However, careful restructuring will be necessary to design an experience that prioritizes gaming without incorporating traditional PC elements, such as cursors or taskbars.
He mentioned that the development team is actively exploring different interaction models to ensure gamers connect naturally with a device specifically designed for gaming.
In summary, rather than looking forward to a portable version of the Xbox, we may be on the brink of witnessing the emergence of a handheld PC that encapsulates the essence of the Xbox experience, likely within the next year.
Source: Kotaku