According to Jez Corden of the Xbox Two podcast, there are indications that Xbox is actively developing a new handheld gaming device.
During the podcast, Corden mentioned,
“I know that they’ve [Xbox] have got handheld prototypes right now.”
He further clarified that these prototypes are distinct from the older ones often referenced.
However, he also emphasized that the existence of prototypes doesn’t guarantee the eventual release of new products, though the notion of Xbox exploring a handheld device isn’t surprising.
Corden later specified,
“no not a cloud handheld, a fully native Xbox handheld.”
With the Nintendo Switch surpassing 100 million units sold and the recent emergence of handheld gaming devices such as the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and even the PlayStation Portal, it appears logical for Xbox to contemplate entry into the handheld market.
Some analysts suggest that venturing into the handheld sector might be one of the few avenues for hardware growth amid a plateau in console sales.
The timeline for any potential announcement regarding an Xbox handheld remains uncertain. However, speculation has arisen that the next generation of Xbox consoles could feature a dockable handheld design akin to the Nintendo Switch.
During the Official Xbox Podcast, newly-appointed Xbox President, Sarah Bond, provided insights into Xbox’s future plans, stating,
“We’ve got more to come. There’s some exciting stuff coming out in hardware that we’re going to share this holiday.”
She also highlighted Xbox’s commitment to advancing the next-generation roadmap, aiming for a significant leap in technical capabilities to enhance the gaming experience for players and creators alike.
What are your thoughts on the possibility of an Xbox handheld? Share your opinions in the comments section below.
