Since the Switch’s launch and subsequent success (139 million units sold, anyone?), a number of tech manufacturers have dipped their toes into the handheld market, including Steam, Ayaneo, Lenovo and Asus.
However, if recent rumors are to be believed, it seems that Microsoft may be looking to get in on the action with its own dedicated Xbox handheld. As it is covered with a beautiful lovely over at Pure XboxWindows Central’s Jez Corden stated that Microsoft actually has handheld prototypes right now during an episode Podcast for Xbox Two.
Corden then clarified that the prototypes being used may not make it to market, but he still seemed confident that Microsoft is actively pursuing the handheld space. Indeed, Xbox’s Phil Spencer recently spoke with him Polygon
He went on to express his frustration that third-party handhelds just don’t offer a pure enough Xbox experience, saying “I want to be able to run the Xbox app in full screen, but in compact mode. And all my social [experience] is there. Like I want it to feel like my Xbox tile when I turn on the television. [Except I want it] on those devices.”
Of course, even if the Xbox were to release a dedicated handheld, it would be missing the one thing that could potentially put it on equal footing with the Switch: Nintendo games. Chances are that an Xbox handheld won’t have the same versatility as, say, a Steam Deck, so emulation is more than likely out of the question.
Still, anything in the handheld space can be considered competition for the Switch, and we wholeheartedly welcome it, even if Nintendo fans aren’t breaking out in a cold sweat anytime soon.
