As a tech writer, I’ve seen my fair share of gadgets that are either pure speculation or just never make it past the concept phase. And yet, every so often, a dream project seems to linger for years—like the elusive Xbox handheld. For over 20 years, whispers of Microsoft’s potential handheld device have surfaced, often fueled by the success of its competitors, from the Game Boy to the PlayStation Portable. Yet, despite a long-standing legacy of tech companies trying (and often failing) to break into the portable console market, the idea of a Microsoft-made handheld keeps resurfacing.
Why now? Valve’s Steam Deck has been a breakthrough success, single-handedly reigniting the market for PC gaming on the go. In just a couple of years, Valve’s handheld has sold millions, inspiring competitors like Asus, MSI, and Lenovo to develop their own portable gaming systems using similar AMD-based hardware. While these companies run Windows, and Valve relies on its SteamOS, Microsoft has worked with them, which might have reignited the speculation about an Xbox handheld.
Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, confirmed in a recent interview that Microsoft is exploring the idea and working on prototypes. However, don’t expect anything soon—this potential device is likely still years away, if it materializes at all. In the meantime, Microsoft is focusing on optimizing the Xbox app for low-power, portable devices, allowing gamers to enjoy Game Pass and cloud gaming on existing hardware.
But it’s important to keep expectations in check. While the Steam Deck is undeniably a success, it still pales in comparison to Nintendo’s portable Switch, which has sold over 150 million units. With Microsoft already facing stiff competition in the console market, it’s understandable that they may be hesitant to gamble on a new hardware venture, especially when it comes to portable gaming. Instead, partners like Asus and Valve are taking the big risks, leaving Microsoft to perfect the gaming experience on existing devices. If you’re waiting for a portable Xbox, it’s best to stop—consider a Steam Deck or ROG Ally instead, or stick with streaming games through Game Pass and GeForce Now.
