Final yr, a narrative broke that Microsoft was engaged on prototypes for an Xbox handheld console that would doubtlessly compete with Valve’s Steam Deck. Nonetheless, a brand new report means that Microsoft is placing apart its ambitions for a devoted Xbox handheld, a minimum of for now.
In accordance with Windows Central, Microsoft is shifting its precedence away from its Xbox handheld to concentrate on enhancing the gaming efficiency of Home windows 11 on third-party handheld gadgets together with ASUS’ Undertaking Kennan. The report notes that Microsoft nonetheless has ambitions of releasing its personal handheld and it is growing extra expertise in direction of that objective. However for the instant future, that is not a precedence.
There have been rumors about Xbox handheld consoles for the higher a part of the final 20 years. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has confirmed that there have been Xbox handheld prototypes previously, none of which made it out of improvement.
Spencer acknowledged the potential for a brand new Xbox handheld final yr with out immediately confirming it. He additionally steered that any Xbox handheld was nonetheless “a number of years out.” Extra not too long ago, Spencer demonstrated how he performs his Xbox video games on the Lenovo Legion Go. He additionally shared his perception that the “workforce may do some actual modern work” on an Xbox handheld.
There have been prior experiences that the next-generation Xbox console could help a handheld system, maybe in the same technique to the Nintendo’s Change. Home windows Central’s newest experiences means that improvement on the subsequent Xbox console was not impacted by the choice to pause the potential handheld, which can name the sooner report into query.
Earlier this yr, Xbox president Sarah Bond steered that Microsoft’s subsequent dwelling console will provide the “largest technical leap” in Xbox historical past. However for now, Microsoft has but to reveal any particulars about that system or when it might be launched.