New Xbox Report Claims Microsoft Is Developing a Steam Deck Competitor

New Xbox Report Claims Microsoft Is Developing a Steam Deck Competitor

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, the prospect of an Xbox handheld device has me both excited and cautiously optimistic. The rumors have been swirling for quite some time now, and it’s refreshing to see more substantiated reports emerging from reliable sources like Windows Central.


There’s been persistent chatter that Microsoft may be venturing into the handheld market with a fresh Xbox device. Over the course of the last year, these whispers have gained traction, hinting at the potential development of an Xbox handheld by Microsoft. Xbox head Phil Spencer has even dropped hints about this on multiple occasions. Recently, new reports have surfaced to bolster these earlier rumors and potentially provide a timeline for when the Xbox hardware might be unveiled.

According to Windows Central’s latest report, Xbox appears to be creating a version of their own Steam Deck-like device internally. Details about the handheld are scarce at the moment, but this proposed comparison aligns with what Microsoft representatives have mentioned earlier. In particular, Phil Spencer highlighted in early 2024 that any potential handheld console associated with Xbox should be capable of running games directly without relying solely on cloud streaming. Though Xbox has put significant resources into cloud streaming for years, it appears that this technology won’t be the main focus for this rumored handheld device.

The report further indicates that there might be a potential launch of an Xbox handheld device in the year 2026. This prediction is based on two factors: firstly, 2026 signifies the 25th anniversary of the Xbox brand, and secondly, Microsoft has hinted at plans for the 25th anniversary of Halo and Xbox, which is scheduled for 2026. It’s not yet clear if this celebration will include a new handheld release, but given the circumstances, it seems plausible.

2026 is drawing attention because Microsoft plans not to introduce an intermediate update for the Xbox Series X, unlike in the past when they released the Xbox One X to counter the PS4 Pro during the previous generation. Instead, Sony is preparing to launch the PS5 Pro. This shift in Microsoft’s hardware release schedule, and the absence of a mid-generation upgrade, makes 2026 more significant.

The main query surrounding a potential Xbox portable device is whether it might transform Microsoft’s hardware sales. Given the underperformance of the Xbox Series X and S compared to Microsoft’s expectations, the company appears to be increasingly releasing Xbox games on rival platforms. It remains uncertain if an Xbox-dedicated handheld could significantly alter Microsoft’s fortunes as a hardware manufacturer, but it will be interesting to observe this development in the future.

Read More

2024-09-23 21:40