GAMERTIMES

In March, Jez Corden, the managing editor at Windows Central, claimed that Microsoft was developing prototypes for a “fully native Xbox handheld.” Shortly after, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer discussed his vision for a potential Xbox handheld in an interview with Polygon.

Spencer revisited the topic during an interview with IGN following the Xbox Games Showcase. When asked about Xbox’s strategy of reaching players across various platforms, Spencer responded, “So we should have a handheld? I think we should have a handheld too.”

Pressed for more details, Spencer declined to elaborate, instead suggesting that Sarah Bond, Xbox’s president, might have more to share in the future. He emphasized the exciting developments in hardware, mentioning various form factors and play methods that the team is working on.

“Today was focused on the games,” Spencer added, referencing the showcase of their Gen 9 consoles, Series S and Series X. He hinted that more information about new hardware platforms would be revealed later.

When questioned whether an Xbox handheld would be a dedicated gaming device or cloud-based, Spencer expressed his preference for local gameplay, citing his positive experiences with devices like the ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and Steam Deck.