Xbox Handheld to Combine Console and PC Features, Microsoft Confirms
Microsoft has officially hinted at its highly anticipated Xbox handheld, teasing an innovative gaming experience that combines the best features of console and PC gaming. Announced during CES 2025, the device is set to redefine handheld gaming.
"Best of Console and PC Together"
Speaking with The Verge, Jason Ronald, Microsoft’s Vice President of Xbox Gaming Devices and Ecosystem, shared insights into what players can expect. Ronald, a key figure behind the Xbox Series X|S development, emphasized that the Xbox handheld would prioritize player-centric features:
"We’ve been really innovating for a long time in the console space. It’s really about how we bring those innovations to PC and the handheld gaming space."
The handheld is designed to blend Xbox’s console experience with the versatility of Windows gaming, making libraries and ecosystems more accessible:
Unified Library Access: Players can seamlessly access their games across Xbox and Windows platforms.
Simplified Interface: A console-like experience that eliminates the complexities of traditional Windows gaming.
Developer-Friendly: Tools and integrations to bring streamlined gaming development to the Windows ecosystem.
Development Timeline and Rumors
While Microsoft didn’t confirm a launch date, Ronald teased more details later this year. This aligns with rumors that the Xbox handheld may debut alongside the next-gen Xbox console, both expected around late 2026.
Microsoft Gaming Head Phil Spencer previously hinted at handheld development, confirming the company's intent to push into the handheld gaming market after years of speculation.
The Xbox handheld will compete in a growing market of powerful handheld devices, such as the Steam Deck and the newly announced AMD Ryzen Z2-powered handhelds. However, Microsoft’s approach—leveraging its decades of experience with Xbox and Windows—could give it a distinct edge by offering seamless integration across its platforms.
What are you most excited to see in the Xbox handheld? Would seamless Xbox and PC gaming access sway you to buy it? Let us know your thoughts below!
