HardwareHandheldsPhil Spencer hints that an Xbox portable could be in the works after all - “I think we should have a handheld too”When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
HardwareHandheldsPhil Spencer hints that an Xbox portable could be in the works after all - “I think we should have a handheld too”When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
The rumored Xbox handheld might be coming after all, as Phil Spencer has all but confirmed a portable system is inbound. The device might have been a no-show during the console giant’s Games Showcase, but the CEO says the “future for us in hardware is pretty awesome.”
Rumors of a portable Xbox have circled for a while, and fans are itching for a mini Series S to enter thebest gaming handheldring. Following new whispers that a device could pop up during the Summer Showcase, I shared some thoughts on why I think it shouldn’t just be aPlayStation Portalrival, as I firmly believe that a native hardware solution is what’s needed within the Xbox ecosystem. Now that the Summer Games Fest dust has settled, Phil Spencer has chimed in to say that he feels the same way about the publisher’s platform endeavors.
During achat with IGN, Spencer was asked whether an Xbox handheld is in the works. In response, the gaming boss claimed he was excited about “the work that the team is doing around different form factors,” and “different ways to play.” Naturally, that is not a direct confirmation that a portable device is coming, but it feels like a pretty strong nod that it has something handheld-related in the oven.
Phil Spencer Practically Confirms an Xbox Handheld | IGN Live 2024 - YouTubeWatch On
Phil Spencer Practically Confirms an Xbox Handheld | IGN Live 2024 - YouTube
Phil Spencer Practically Confirms an Xbox Handheld | IGN Live 2024 - YouTube
Will the Xbox Portable be a PC?
(Image credit: Future)
I’ve been pondering the idea of a portable Xbox for over a decade, and I used to think a straight-up handheld would be the best approach. The thing is, lots has changed since the glory days of the PlayStation Vita, and devices like theSteam Deck OLEDplatform have the benefits of using PC tech over custom shenanigans. While we virtually have nothing to go on in terms of whatMicrosoft’s own take will look like, I’m becoming increasingly convinced that it’ll end up being a mini rig.
That idea might have you wondering what the point of an Xbox-themed handheld gaming PC would be. After all, we’ve already got theAsus ROG Allybringing the fight toValvewith Windows-based versatility, and the newROG Ally Xwill soon arrive to satiate power users. I don’t think those doubts are unreasonable, but if there’s one thing the PlayStation Portal has proven since its arrival, it’s that form factor can reel console fans into the world of handhelds.
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I could go a step further and suggest that Xbox is perhaps gearing up to take on theNintendo Switch 2, which could mean some sort of next-gen hybrid handheld. If that’s the case, we might be waiting a while for a portable console to arrive, and the hardware maker might even hold off longer to see if thePlayStation Vita 2comes to be. In any case, it feels highly probable that a portable Xbox is coming, and it may help elevate yesterday’s Summer Showcase disappointment.
Today’s best gaming handheld dealsASUS ROG Ally$550$490ViewSee all pricesAsus ROG Ally X$559ViewSee all pricesLenovo Legion Go$699.99$549ViewSee all pricesMSI Claw$699ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best gaming handheld dealsASUS ROG Ally$550$490ViewSee all pricesAsus ROG Ally X$559ViewSee all pricesLenovo Legion Go$699.99$549ViewSee all pricesMSI Claw$699ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best gaming handheld dealsASUS ROG Ally$550$490ViewSee all pricesAsus ROG Ally X$559ViewSee all pricesLenovo Legion Go$699.99$549ViewSee all pricesMSI Claw$699ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best gaming handheld deals
ASUS ROG Ally$550$490ViewSee all pricesAsus ROG Ally X$559ViewSee all pricesLenovo Legion Go$699.99$549ViewSee all pricesMSI Claw$699ViewSee all prices
ASUS ROG Ally$550$490ViewSee all prices
ASUS ROG Ally$550$490ViewSee all prices
ASUS ROG Ally
ASUS ROG Ally
$550$490View
$550$490
$490
See all prices
Asus ROG Ally X$559ViewSee all prices
Asus ROG Ally X$559ViewSee all prices
Asus ROG Ally X
Asus ROG Ally X
$559View
$559
$559
See all prices
Lenovo Legion Go$699.99$549ViewSee all prices
Lenovo Legion Go$699.99$549ViewSee all prices
Lenovo Legion Go
Lenovo Legion Go
$699.99$549View
$699.99$549
$549
See all prices
MSI Claw$699ViewSee all prices
MSI Claw$699ViewSee all prices
MSI Claw
MSI Claw
$699View
$699
$699
See all prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
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More about handheldsThis handheld is the same size as an NES controller, but I use it to play 30 years worth of retro classicsWill the next Lenovo Legion Go actually be a Steam Deck? It certainly smells that way to meLatestI didn’t know how badly I wanted to grill and gobble up monsters until this upcoming survival roguelike made it look so tastySee more latest►
More about handheldsThis handheld is the same size as an NES controller, but I use it to play 30 years worth of retro classicsWill the next Lenovo Legion Go actually be a Steam Deck? It certainly smells that way to meLatestI didn’t know how badly I wanted to grill and gobble up monsters until this upcoming survival roguelike made it look so tastySee more latest►
More about handheldsThis handheld is the same size as an NES controller, but I use it to play 30 years worth of retro classicsWill the next Lenovo Legion Go actually be a Steam Deck? It certainly smells that way to me
More about handhelds
This handheld is the same size as an NES controller, but I use it to play 30 years worth of retro classicsWill the next Lenovo Legion Go actually be a Steam Deck? It certainly smells that way to me
This handheld is the same size as an NES controller, but I use it to play 30 years worth of retro classics
This handheld is the same size as an NES controller, but I use it to play 30 years worth of retro classics
Will the next Lenovo Legion Go actually be a Steam Deck? It certainly smells that way to me
Will the next Lenovo Legion Go actually be a Steam Deck? It certainly smells that way to me
LatestI didn’t know how badly I wanted to grill and gobble up monsters until this upcoming survival roguelike made it look so tastySee more latest►
Latest
I didn’t know how badly I wanted to grill and gobble up monsters until this upcoming survival roguelike made it look so tasty
I didn’t know how badly I wanted to grill and gobble up monsters until this upcoming survival roguelike made it look so tasty
I didn’t know how badly I wanted to grill and gobble up monsters until this upcoming survival roguelike made it look so tasty
See more latest►
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GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2
Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3
Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5
Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2
Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3
Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5
Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
1
Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
2
Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
3
Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
4
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
5
Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”