Initially, it was rumored that Microsoft had temporarily halted work on their in-house Xbox portable gaming device to join forces with other companies. However, a recent article by The Verge’s Tom Warren suggests this pause could be permanent. Instead, the tech giant appears to be focusing solely on creating Xbox as a software platform for handheld consoles made by other manufacturers.
From what Warren’s report suggests, it seems like internal plans for a handheld system might not be moving forward as initially planned by Microsoft. Instead, they appear to be focusing on strengthening their presence in the handheld market, as evidenced by their collaboration with companies such as Asus, which was recently showcased in the unveiling of the ROG Xbox Ally line-up. The report also hints that Microsoft might continue developing its next-generation console.
As a gaming enthusiast, I’m confidently anticipating the release of the next-generation Xbox hardware by Microsoft. However, I’m equally convinced that tech giants like Asus are gearing up to unveil their own devices, which will undoubtedly join the ranks as next-gen Xbox consoles.
Essentially, this development aligns with Microsoft’s long-term goals for Xbox. Initially, these aspirations were evident when the Xbox One was introduced in 2012, as Microsoft aimed to dominate the living room space through its hardware. However, over time, their plans have shifted. Now, Microsoft is focused on creating a system that allows gamers to purchase and play Xbox games across various platforms.
In the interim, Warren suggests that Microsoft could be secretly developing emulation as a means to enable Xbox console games to run on Windows computers. It’s said there’s a fresh internal squad dedicated to safeguarding games. However, significant effort is needed to make older Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One games compatible with contemporary PC hardware. For now, Microsoft is relying on offerings such as Xbox Cloud and their latest initiative for Xbox Play Anywhere. This service allows players to purchase a game only once via the Microsoft store, then play it on any Windows or Xbox device they own.
Looking ahead, it’s probable that Microsoft will eventually transform Xbox into an internal gaming label. Despite potential future console generations in the near future, the company seems to be focusing more on making Windows its main platform, encompassing both personal computers and gaming consoles.
The news about Microsoft pausing their handheld device development was first reported back in May. Instead of focusing on their own hardware, they chose to collaborate between their gaming and Windows divisions to enhance Windows 11 for better gaming experiences. It’s noteworthy that these advancements could ultimately benefit PC gamers as well.
In recent times, Microsoft has encountered significant competition in the gaming sector, particularly within the handheld market. This is largely due to the remarkable success of Valve’s Steam Deck. Additionally, Valve introduced SteamOS, a Linux operating system, which allows users to install it and play games on hardware powered by AMD processors.
To learn more about Microsoft’s venture into portable gaming, explore our articles on the Asus ROG Xbox Duo and ROG Xbox Duo X for in-depth insights.
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2025-06-13 14:11