Microsoft Aims to Bring \'Best of Xbox and Windows\' to Handheld Console

Summary

• Microsoft is entering the handheld gaming market, aiming to blend the best of Xbox and Windows.
• Details about Xbox's handheld console are limited, but Microsoft's commitment to mobile gaming is clear.
• Microsoft intends to enhance Windows' handheld gaming capabilities, focusing on improved functionality and a more consistent user experience.

Microsoft's foray into handheld gaming promises a unique blend of Xbox and Windows experiences. With the imminent arrival of the Switch 2, the growing popularity of handheld PCs, and Sony's PlayStation Portal, the portable gaming landscape is booming. Xbox aims to capitalize on this momentum, simultaneously improving Windows as a mobile gaming platform.

While Xbox services are already accessible on portable consoles like the Razer Edge and Logitech G Cloud, a dedicated Xbox handheld is on the horizon. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has confirmed the project, although specifics remain undisclosed. Regardless of the console's release date or design, Microsoft is taking mobile gaming seriously.

Jason Ronald, Microsoft's VP of Next Generation, hinted at Xbox's portable future in a recent Verge interview, suggesting further updates later this year—possibly an official announcement. Ronald clarified Microsoft's strategy, emphasizing the integration of "the best of Xbox and Windows" for a seamless experience. This focus makes sense, given that the performance of devices like the ROG Ally X highlights Windows' current shortcomings in handheld gaming—clunky navigation and troubleshooting difficulties.

Microsoft's Commitment to Handheld-Friendly Windows

Ronald stressed Microsoft's goal of making Windows a superior platform for gaming across all devices, including handhelds. This includes improving Windows' functionality beyond mouse and keyboard controls, acknowledging its limitations with joysticks, a common issue in portable PC gaming. Microsoft will draw inspiration from the Xbox console operating system to achieve this. This aligns with Phil Spencer's previous statements about making handheld PCs feel more like an Xbox for a consistent user experience across all hardware.

Prioritizing functionality could significantly differentiate Microsoft in the portable gaming market. This might involve a revamped portable OS or further refinement of their first-party handheld console. The performance issues experienced by iconic titles like Halo on the Steam Deck highlight the need for a more optimized handheld environment. Enabling Halo and similar titles to run smoothly on portable PCs, mirroring the experience on a mainline Xbox, would be a significant achievement. However, the specifics of Microsoft's plans remain under wraps until later this year.