Microsoft Plans to Merge Xbox and Windows for New Handheld Console

Summary

• Microsoft plans to enter the handheld gaming market, combining the best aspects of Xbox and Windows.
• Details on Xbox's handheld console are scarce, but the company is serious about entering the mobile gaming world.
• Microsoft aims to make Windows better for handheld gaming by improving functionality and creating a more consistent experience.

Microsoft is set to revolutionize the handheld gaming landscape by merging the strengths of Xbox and Windows into a seamless gaming experience. As the market sees an influx of portable devices like the upcoming Switch 2, increasingly popular handheld PCs, and Sony's PlayStation Portal, Microsoft sees a golden opportunity to enhance its presence in mobile gaming.

Currently, Xbox services are accessible on devices such as the Razer Edge and Logitech G Cloud, but Microsoft has yet to unveil its own dedicated handheld hardware. However, Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, has confirmed the development of a handheld Xbox console, signaling the company's commitment to this growing sector. While specifics about the console's release and features are still under wraps, it's clear that Microsoft is dedicated to elevating the mobile gaming experience.

In an insightful interview with The Verge, Jason Ronald, VP of Next Generation at Microsoft, teased that further updates on Xbox's portable initiatives might surface later this year. Ronald emphasized Microsoft's goal to integrate the best elements of Xbox and Windows for a unified gaming experience. This approach is driven by the recognition that Windows, as it stands, doesn't fully optimize the user experience on handheld devices, often resulting in cumbersome navigation and troubleshooting issues, as evidenced by devices like the ROG Ally X.

Microsoft Wants to Make Windows Great for Handheld Gaming

Ronald highlighted Microsoft's ambition to transform Windows into an exceptional platform for gaming across all devices, including handhelds. A key focus is on enhancing Windows' usability without traditional input methods like a mouse and keyboard, as the current system is not tailored for joystick use, which is essential for portable gaming. Microsoft plans to draw inspiration from the Xbox console's operating system to refine Windows for this purpose. This aligns with Phil Spencer's vision of making handheld PCs feel more akin to an Xbox, ensuring a consistent experience across different hardware.

By concentrating on improving functionality, Microsoft aims to distinguish itself in the competitive portable gaming market. Whether through a revamped portable operating system or a proprietary handheld console, Microsoft's focus on user experience could significantly benefit its flagship franchise, Halo, which has encountered technical challenges on platforms like the Steam Deck. Ensuring that titles like Halo perform on portable PCs as smoothly as on a traditional Xbox console could mark a significant advancement for Microsoft. While the specifics of Microsoft's plans remain undisclosed, gaming enthusiasts can look forward to more details later this year.