As a seasoned gaming analyst with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the upcoming developments in portable gaming devices in 2025 have me quite intrigued. Having witnessed the evolution of gaming consoles and handhelds since their infancy, it’s fascinating to see how the lines between desktop and mobile gaming are blurring more than ever before.
2025 is looking to bring some interesting developments in the world of portable gaming devices.
At CES 2025, Lenovo is hosting an event focusing on the future of portable gaming devices. Notably, two distinguished guests are expected at this event, as hinted in an email from The Verge. Pierre-Loup Griffais, a designer for Valve’s Steam Deck, will participate in the presentation. Additionally, Microsoft’s Jason Ronald, currently serving as the Vice President of Xbox gaming devices and ecosystem, is also attending. Interestingly, Ronald has recently been titled “VP of next generation” by Lenovo. Although we don’t know the specific topic of Ronald’s discussion, we can speculate based on his new title.
It’s quite probable that Ronald will delve into the advancements made to Windows tailored for upcoming gaming handhelds. Using Windows allows players a wider range of options when it comes to utilizing services such as PC Game Pass, however, the Windows aspect of the experience is frequently criticized as being the least satisfactory part of using devices like the Lenovo Legion Go or ASUS ROG Ally.
What’s the longterm play for Xbox and Windows handhelds?
The head of Microsoft Gaming, Phil Spencer, has previously shared that his team has been intrigued by the idea of creating a portable gaming device and is exploring various prototypes. However, he emphasized that this project is still several years away from hitting the market, much like the reportedly upcoming handheld console from Sony.
Before a first-party handheld device becomes available, Microsoft is considering collaborating with existing companies that already offer portable devices to enhance the gaming experience of Xbox on the move, aligning with their recent “This is Xbox” marketing strategy. It’s also been suggested that Microsoft might allow third-parties to manufacture devices under the Xbox brand and potentially use the Xbox operating system, which could extend to allowing them to utilize the Xbox OS directly.
Third-party devices for Xbox might attract particular segments of gamers, offering choices in areas where Microsoft has faced challenges before. For instance, if a company like ASUS were to develop an “Xbox” branded handheld device, it would essentially be considered an Xbox, granting players access to the same games and services as they enjoy on an Xbox Series X|S console.
It’s clear that if we consider potential third-party Xbox devices, several important queries arise. How is the certification procedure structured for these devices? Are there any essential specifications required to guarantee compatibility with all games? Lastly, what can we anticipate in terms of pricing options?
For me, it’s an intriguing concept, but one that only works if the experience is truly seamless. Right now, I can get close when playing games on my PC, but some friction remains, and not everything carries over between versions of different games.
As an analyst, I’m optimistic about the progress we’re seeing in this area, as it’s been gradually improving. The introduction of a unified Xbox save system for both console and Steam versions of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle by Bethesda and MachineGames is a step I eagerly anticipate being adopted across all future Xbox first-party titles.
2025 promises an intriguing glimpse into Microsoft’s strategy for Xbox, given its diverse array of games and multiple projects simmering on the platform.
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2024-12-20 21:09