In the realm of gaming, whispers of a handheld device from Microsoft have long lingered in the air. Xbox CEO Phil Spencer has finally shed some light on the matter, confirming that the company is indeed toiling away on such a device. Alas, dear readers, do not hold your breath, for its arrival is but a distant dream.
In a recent discourse with Bloomberg, Spencer revealed that the hypothetical handheld creation is still in its nascent stages of prototyping. Even if the gears were to turn swiftly and a product were to materialize, the fruition of such efforts would take several years to manifest.
Long have the tides of innovation beckoned the minds at Microsoft, as Spencer shared with Bloomberg his affection for the development of devices. The prospect of crafting groundbreaking pieces stirs his soul, yet he is keen on imbibing wisdom from the present to steer the course ahead.
Amidst a landscape teeming with handheld consoles and cloud streaming marvels, a fierce competition ensues. Leading the charge are the likes of Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, casting shadows over challengers such as Logitech G Cloud and Asus ROG Ally. Not to be outdone, PlayStation unveiled its own handheld jewel last year, the PlayStation Portal, inviting players to partake in remote gaming delights.
Microsoft’s foray into handheld territory has been a subject of intrigue for some time, with Spencer himself fueling the anticipation. His musings on handheld consoles have woven a tale of possibilities, laying the groundwork for Xbox’s hardware expansion into uncharted realms.
A glimpse into Xbox’s future ambitions was inadvertently unveiled during a recent FTC trial, where a roadmap stretching into 2030 hinted at a dedicated handheld not within the immediate purview of first-party endeavors.
In a separate instance, Xbox’s vice president Sarah Bond articulated a vision of inclusivity, aspiring to reach players wherever their hearts roam. The expansive reach of Xbox Game Pass now extends its embrace to diverse platforms, even welcoming Amazon Fire TV users into its gaming fold.
Spencer, in harmony with Bond’s sentiments, expressed an appetite for acquisitions to conquer fresh territories like Asia and delve into the realm of mobile gaming. With the acquisition of game developer King, creators of the beloved Candy Crush Saga, Xbox’s journey into mobile gaming has taken root.
The echoes of Spencer’s resolve resound through the corridors of Microsoft’s gaming division, echoing a steadfast commitment to seeking out new talents, technologies, and capabilities that align with the grand tapestry of gaming at Microsoft. The winds of change blow, stirring anticipation for what lies beyond the horizon.
