Handheld gaming consoles have paved an extraordinary path in the world of gaming over the years. While several devices played their part in the early days, it was Nintendo’s Game Boy that truly revolutionized portable gaming, bringing experiences akin to the NES wherever you went. Nintendo didn’t stop there; each Game Boy iteration pushed the boundaries further, and the Nintendo DS, launched in 2006, set a new industry standard. Meanwhile, PlayStation ventured into handheld gaming, but Xbox chose to steer clear—until now.
After over a year swirling with rumors, Phil Spencer finally shed some light in a recent Bloomberg interview, confirming that Xbox is developing its very own handheld device. Spencer also mentioned that it might take a while before fans can actually get their hands on it. However, when Xbox’s handheld hits the market, it’s poised to stand out thanks to a unique feature.
The handheld gaming scene is buzzing more than ever. The Nintendo Switch, alongside its Lite and OLED models, has been dominating the space for seven years now, boasting over 140 million units sold. Despite hardware that lags behind the latest from PlayStation and Xbox, its portability, recognizable brand, and family-friendly focus keep it at the pinnacle of gaming.
In 2022, Valve joined the handheld domain with the Steam Deck, and the reception was nothing short of phenomenal. Capable of running demanding games with minimal fuss, it’s hailed as one of the best in its class.
By the time Xbox’s device makes its debut, the handheld market may see some interesting developments. Nintendo is set to unveil the Switch’s successor soon, and Valve is already working on a second-generation Steam Deck. Thus, Xbox’s competition may not differ much from what we’d see today.
Moreover, a Bloomberg article hints that PlayStation is in the early phases of developing a new handheld too. Should this be accurate, Xbox’s handheld will face a formidable lineup of competitors upon its release.
One potential ace up Xbox’s sleeve is the Xbox Game Pass. Over the past year, Xbox has redefined itself, portraying the platform as more than just a console but as anything capable of running the Xbox app. The Game Pass has become the centerpiece of this evolution, showcasing players enjoying Xbox content across various platforms including PCs, mobiles, and more via Cloud streaming.
When the Xbox handheld is officially unveiled, Game Pass is almost guaranteed to be a significant selling point—and for a good reason. By spotlighting Game Pass, Xbox can offer immediate benefits and solidify its long-term appeal.
In the immediate sense, players would gain access to a colossal library of games without spending extra. Xbox Game Pass spans a vast array of styles, letting players explore numerous AAA and indie titles to truly test the handheld’s capabilities from day one.
Looking further ahead, Game Pass would provide an ever-evolving selection of games that keep players engaged. While PlayStation might introduce its PS Plus catalog to its own handheld, Xbox Game Pass could maintain an edge, given that PS Plus doesn’t feature first-party games from the day they release. This competitive advantage is set to grow, considering Xbox’s expanding first-party offerings now include studios like Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda, and Activision-Blizzard.
