Xbox boss: ‘I feel we must always have a handheld, too’

Microsoft’s Xbox chief, Phil Spencer, has been dropping hints a few potential Xbox handheld for months now. Earlier this yr he said he was “a big fan of handhelds,” after liking posts on X that point out the potential for this new {hardware}. Now, in an interview with IGN Spencer says “I feel we must always have a handheld, too.”

It’s the most important trace but that Microsoft is engaged on an Xbox handheld, one thing that’s been long-rumored. “The long run for us in {hardware} is fairly superior. The work that the workforce is doing round totally different kind components and alternative ways to play, I’m extremely enthusiastic about,” stated Spencer. “As we speak was concerning the video games… however we could have a time to return out and discuss extra about platform.”

Pressed on whether or not an Xbox handheld would stream video games or play them domestically, Spencer dropped an additional trace that Microsoft is a real handheld gaming machine somewhat than one thing just like the PlayStation Portal. “I like my ROG Ally, my Lenovo Legion Go, my Steam Deck. I feel with the ability to play video games domestically is admittedly vital,” stated Spencer.

Earlier this yr Spencer talked about wanting a compact Xbox mode on a handheld gaming PC. “I need to have the ability to boot into the Xbox app in a full display screen, however in a compact mode,” stated Spencer in a Polygon interview. “Like I need it to really feel just like the sprint of my Xbox after I activate the tv. [Except I want it] on these gadgets.”

I think what Microsoft is engaged on is an Xbox handheld that’s Home windows-based, however that has the power to run Xbox video games and the complete Xbox dashboard. On The Vergecast earlier this yr, I discussed my ideally suited for an Xbox handheld. It will run Home windows at its core however by no means expose this to you so it appears to be like and seems like an Xbox console, however if you wish to run Steam video games or Xbox video games, you’ll be able to.