The first portable Xbox console is coming as an alternative to Steam Deck and Switch.

A few months ago, Phil Spencer talked about the portable console market and suggested that Xbox might be interested in this market. Previous rumors have already reflected Microsoft’s video game branch’s interest in this recently booming segment. According to YouTuber eXtas1s, who has an interesting history of leaks that have later been confirmed (for example, regarding Starfield-branded Xbox accessories), we may see the first look at a portable Xbox console at the Xbox Games Showcase on June 9th.

The source talks about a teaser and not a detailed presentation of the device. For this reason, we were able to content ourselves with a mouth-watering visual that partially or completely reveals the design of the console. More information will be shared later, likely at Gamescom Cologne, which will take place 21-25 August this year.

Explosion in portable consoles

We can only speculate as to what kind of offer Xbox might have in store for us here. It seems more likely to us that the machine is the same type as the Steam Deck, Zotac ZONE, Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go or MSI Claw. It would then undoubtedly be equipped with an AMD APU, allowing games to be run natively. Nintendo Switch thrives on another level with its exclusive catalog and hybrid format.

It could also be a cloud gaming-specific console designed for enjoying Game Pass games on the go. This solution looks less convincing because smartphones and tablets already allow convenient play via the cloud, with accessories or via touchscreen. Moreover, we cannot say that the 100% cloud devices marketed so far, such as PlayStation Portal or Logitech G Cloud, are truly successful. However, considering the recent decisions, we cannot be sure of anything about Xbox.

Phil Spencer said last March that he had tried every portable console on the market, but none of them had really convinced him. He doubted the software experience in these products rather than the hardware. If the Xbox portable console is confirmed, we can therefore expect an interface specifically optimized for the Xbox ecosystem. However, the Xbox boss also explained that such a device must allow access to all games and saves. Therefore, compatibility with Windows launchers such as Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, Battle.net, Ubisoft Connect or EA App should be possible.