Xbox Handheld: What We Hope to See

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Earlier this week, Xbox boss Phil Spencer hinted once again that an Xbox handheld might be in the works, though it's still a few years away. While that timeline might feel frustrating, it also gives Microsoft ample time to refine the device, ensuring it can compete with top-tier handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck or Asus ROG Ally X.
What we know so far is that Spencer has emphasized the importance of local gaming, suggesting that any future Xbox handheld will allow for local play, unlike the PlayStation Portal, which is limited to streaming games from a PS5. Beyond that, details remain scarce, but the idea of an Xbox handheld still has us dreaming about what it could be.
Could Xbox Go the Windows Route?
As Xbox consoles evolve into something closer to Windows 11 with each update – and with new ads on the home screen – why not go all the way? Imagine if the next Xbox handheld ran on Windows 11. This could open up a whole new world of gaming possibilities. Not only would it give Xbox a huge library of games outside the Xbox ecosystem, but it could push Microsoft to design a version of Windows 11 that's optimized for controller navigation.
Microsoft has a history of creating one-off versions of Windows for unique platforms, such as Windows RT or the mobile editions of Windows 7 and 8. While many of these were flops, the idea of a controller-friendly Windows interface could be a game-changer for portable gaming. If done right, it could also give players a flexible and accessible way to use Windows 11 on the go.
Windows 11 on an Xbox Handheld – A Game Changer?
The appeal of running Windows 11 on an Xbox handheld would be the ability to play whatever game you want, no matter where it’s from. Whether it’s Steam, Epic Games, or other platforms, having the freedom to play a vast library of PC games would be incredible. While Microsoft’s Play Anywhere program already allows players to buy a game once and play it on both Xbox and PC, it’s limited to first-party titles. Expanding that concept to a handheld system would make the Xbox handheld far more versatile and user-friendly.
Even if Microsoft restricts the handheld to only Xbox Store games by default, giving users the option to install an unlocked version of Windows would be a major win. After all, Microsoft has made mistakes with previous OS releases, such as Windows 10S and RT, but those lessons could lead to a much better experience for this new device.
The Importance of Quick Resume
One feature that keeps many of us loyal to the Xbox ecosystem is Quick Resume. The ability to seamlessly switch between multiple games without losing progress is incredibly useful – especially when taking a break from a tough boss battle. This feature would be a perfect fit for an Xbox handheld running on Windows. The technology already exists on gaming PCs; it's just a matter of fine-tuning it for handheld devices.
Although gaming PCs have their own form of sleep mode that preserves games in progress, it’s far from perfect. Occasionally, games can break when waking from sleep. However, if Microsoft integrates Quick Resume-like functionality into Windows for handhelds, it could give Xbox fans a seamless experience that enhances portable gaming.
The Power of the AMD Z1 Extreme – But What’s Next?
Currently, the AMD Z1 Extreme chip is one of the best processors for handheld gaming, offering a great balance of graphics performance and power efficiency. However, it’s limited to running games at 1080p with medium settings, making it less ideal for future gaming needs. While the Z1 is based on the Zen 4 CPU and RDNA 3 GPU, the arrival of Zen 5 and RDNA 4 could provide the next leap forward in handheld performance.
If Microsoft decides to collaborate with AMD to create custom silicon for an Xbox handheld, it could elevate the device above competitors like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally, offering a unique edge in an increasingly crowded market. This could be exactly the kind of innovation needed to make a standout product in the growing handheld gaming space.
While it’s still a few years before we can get our hands on a potential Xbox handheld, the possibilities are exciting. With Microsoft’s history of embracing flexibility, innovation, and an expansive gaming ecosystem, there’s hope that the device will live up to the hype. Whether it’s through a Windows-based interface, powerful custom hardware, or features like Quick Resume, the Xbox handheld could shape the future of portable gaming in a big way.
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