Microsoft's Upcoming Handheld: A Long Wait Ahead

Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft Gaming, has spilled the beans on an upcoming Xbox handheld device. But don't get too excited, as it might take a few years before we see it on store shelves. In a chat with Bloomberg, Spencer hinted that the company is in the early stages of developing a handheld gaming device. They’re currently tinkering with prototypes and keeping a close eye on the market to understand what gamers truly want. In the meantime, Microsoft is focusing on improving their Xbox app for existing handheld devices. Spencer emphasized that they’re keen on innovating, but they want to learn from the current market trends before committing to a design. Spencer has been quite open about his interest in the handheld console market. Back in June, he practically confirmed the plan after the 2024 Xbox Games Showcase. He mentioned how excited he is about the team’s work on different gaming formats. When quizzed about whether this hypothetical Xbox handheld would be a dedicated gaming platform like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch, or a cloud-based device, Spencer stressed the importance of being able to play games locally without needing an internet connection. In an earlier interview with Polygon, Spencer laid out what features would make a handheld console feel like an Xbox. He talked about having access to all your games and save files, and how it could attract new players. Last fall, rumors swirled after leaked Microsoft documents hinted at an Xbox handheld. However, Spencer clarified that those plans were outdated. Microsoft has also teased new hardware in the near future, with a multi-year roadmap announced in February that includes a next-gen Xbox console.