Microsoft is officially exploring the handheld gaming market, with Xbox chief Phil Spencer recently confirming that the company is working on prototype devices. In an interview with Bloomberg, Spencer revealed that Microsoft is assessing its options and taking early steps toward developing a handheld. He noted that, although there’s nothing definitive yet, the team’s expectation is to eventually enter the handheld category. To guide the design process, Spencer has tasked his team with analyzing existing handheld devices to shape Microsoft’s own vision.
While Spencer expressed enthusiasm, he set clear expectations by stating that any final handheld console is likely still a few years away. During the 2024 Summer Game Fest, he responded to questions about handheld gaming rumors, suggesting that he personally supports the idea of an Xbox handheld: “So we should have a handheld? I think we should have a handheld too,” he remarked, while stopping short of confirming an active project.
Microsoft’s recent moves reflect a broader strategy to reach gamers on multiple platforms, a philosophy Spencer reiterated in the Bloomberg interview. As part of this approach, Microsoft has already begun rolling out Xbox titles on other systems and, according to Spencer, there are no “red lines” limiting their willingness to bring more Xbox games to PlayStation. This shift highlights Microsoft’s commitment to making Xbox content more widely accessible, regardless of the device or platform, as they seek to meet players wherever they are.
Spencer’s statements come as Microsoft navigates a rapidly evolving gaming landscape, where handheld devices like the Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and ROG Ally have captured attention. By exploring this path, Microsoft is positioning itself to potentially offer its own unique device, possibly linked to its Game Pass service and cloud gaming initiatives, giving players new ways to engage with the Xbox ecosystem beyond traditional consoles.
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