Xbox is clearly not done with the hardware yet. Still far from it. According to several rumors, Microsoft’s gaming division is actually working on a portable console.
Xbox therefore seems to want its own Steam Deck to strengthen its ecosystem. At least that’s what we heard from people who are very familiar with the activities of the Microsoft subsidiary. And contrary to what one might think, it would not be a portable console based on the cloud like Logitech’s.
Xbox would be working on its own portable console
Back in February, we heard rumors that the next Xbox Series 2 console would be inspired by the Nintendo Switch. However, it seems that gaming company Microsoft has two very different projects when it comes to its hardware. Sarah Bond, president of Xbox, actually opened up about the group’s plans during the last official podcast. “ We have some exciting news to announce on the hardware side during the holidays. We are also investing in the next generation roadmap. Our goal is to achieve the greatest technological leap of all time
The American giant’s hardware plans also include a portable console. At least that’s what Jez Corden recently reported in an Xbox Two podcast. “ I know they are working on new portable console prototypes “. While the good old Nintendo Switch has the upper hand and is still selling like hot cakes, such a strategy in itself is not surprising.
More the equivalent of a Steam Deck than a Logitech G Cloud
Xbox’s great interest in cloud gaming is no secret. Many efforts have been made in this direction thanks to the great support of Azure, which is owned by Microsoft. The company therefore has significant influence in the cloud sector. This is also one of the points of friction that was raised during Activision Blizzard’s series of acquisitions. However, contrary to what you might think, the portable console in the pipeline would not focus on this so-called “future technology” like the Logitech G Cloud. In any case, Jez Corden reiterated this. “ No, it wouldn’t be a cloud-based console, but a native Xbox portable console ».
So we would have a double competitor to the Steam Deck on our hands. On the one hand, Microsoft could use the Windows-based operating system that we saw on the ROG Ally. On the other hand, this console is of course intended to strengthen the Xbox ecosystem. It could therefore integrate Game Pass and be cross-platform with a Windows PC and Series X/S consoles. Of course, if this all seems particularly plausible, it’s worth waiting for an official announcement just to be on the safe side. On this point, working on prototypes is by no means a guarantee of their use. Maybe, as Sarah Bond suggested, we’ll find out more on our next holiday.
