The gaming industry has seen a surge in handheld gaming devices, with the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch leading the market. Sony has also entered the scene with the PlayStation Portal, a streaming-only device. However, Microsoft has yet to release a dedicated Xbox handheld, relying instead on cloud gaming via Game Pass on mobile devices.
This raises a major question: Will Microsoft develop an official Xbox handheld, or will they continue to stay out of this market?
The Rumors and Speculation Around an Xbox Handheld
Speculation about an Xbox handheld has been circulating for some time. Windows Central’s Jez Corden originally reported on the possibility, and the story was later covered by The Verge. While Microsoft is rumored to have plans for a portable device, an official first-party Xbox handheld is not expected to launch in 2025.
That said, a portable Xbox-branded device is coming—but from ASUS, not Microsoft. Reports confirm that ASUS is working with Microsoft to develop a third-party handheld gaming device set to release this year.
What We Know About the ASUS Xbox Handheld
ASUS, known for its experience in the handheld market with the ROG Ally, is leading the development of this upcoming Xbox-compatible handheld. According to reports, the device will:
- Run on Windows, ensuring compatibility with Xbox Game Pass and PC gaming.
- Feature an Xbox-like interface, providing a familiar experience for Xbox users.
- Offer a seamless connection between Xbox and Windows gaming ecosystems.
While the device is expected to launch in 2025, delays could push its release into 2026. Microsoft also appears to have a first-party handheld device in the pipeline, but details remain scarce.
Will Microsoft Ever Develop an Official Xbox Handheld?
With ASUS stepping in to create a portable Xbox alternative, Microsoft may hold off on releasing its own dedicated handheld for now. However, given the success of portable gaming, an official Xbox handheld could still be on the horizon.
Would you buy an Xbox handheld if Microsoft developed one? Let us know your thoughts!
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