Though Microsoft never announced an official Xbox handheld device, there were rumors about how such a device might factor into the company's next-gen console plans. Those plans are continuing to evolve, it seems, as a new report said Microsoft's own Xbox handheld is "essentially canceled."
A report from The Verge, citing insiders, said such a device is no longer going forward. This follows on from a report at the end of May that suggested plans for an Xbox handheld were sidelined.
The Verge's report added that Microsoft remains bullish on the idea of making "next-gen Xbox hardware," but perhaps not in the way people think. "We'll see multiple devices from PC makers like Asus that will also be considered next-gen Xbox consoles," the report said.
Spencer alluded to a closer collaboration between PC and console in a recent Xbox podcast interview. "This is the tightest collaboration I've seen between the gaming organization and the Windows team in my three decades at the company," he said. Spencer also mentioned how Windows PC is an open platform and that he believes, if managed properly, a PC can be considered "as a game console."
While Microsoft may not develop its own dedicated gaming handheld device, the company is working with third-party devices like the recently announced Rog Ally handhelds from Asus.
GameSpot has contacted Microsoft in an attempt to get more details on the company's plans for handheld devices going forward.
In February 2024, Xbox president Sarah Bond confirmed Microsoft was making new Xbox hardware and went on to make a bold statement about what it could deliver. Bond said this next Xbox, whatever it turns out to be, will offer the "largest technical leap you will have ever seen in a hardware generation." That's a bold claim, for sure. Bond didn't offer anything else, like how Microsoft might achieve this, nor did she provide any timetable for the console's release.
The new Xbox Rog Ally devices launch this holiday, but there is no word on pricing as of yet. The systems can play all types of games, including PlayStation PC titles.
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A report from The Verge, citing insiders, said such a device is no longer going forward. This follows on from a report at the end of May that suggested plans for an Xbox handheld were sidelined.
The Verge's report added that Microsoft remains bullish on the idea of making "next-gen Xbox hardware," but perhaps not in the way people think. "We'll see multiple devices from PC makers like Asus that will also be considered next-gen Xbox consoles," the report said.
Spencer alluded to a closer collaboration between PC and console in a recent Xbox podcast interview. "This is the tightest collaboration I've seen between the gaming organization and the Windows team in my three decades at the company," he said. Spencer also mentioned how Windows PC is an open platform and that he believes, if managed properly, a PC can be considered "as a game console."
While Microsoft may not develop its own dedicated gaming handheld device, the company is working with third-party devices like the recently announced Rog Ally handhelds from Asus.
GameSpot has contacted Microsoft in an attempt to get more details on the company's plans for handheld devices going forward.
In February 2024, Xbox president Sarah Bond confirmed Microsoft was making new Xbox hardware and went on to make a bold statement about what it could deliver. Bond said this next Xbox, whatever it turns out to be, will offer the "largest technical leap you will have ever seen in a hardware generation." That's a bold claim, for sure. Bond didn't offer anything else, like how Microsoft might achieve this, nor did she provide any timetable for the console's release.
The new Xbox Rog Ally devices launch this holiday, but there is no word on pricing as of yet. The systems can play all types of games, including PlayStation PC titles.
Source