The journey of handheld gaming has been quite a remarkable one. While a few systems predated it, it was Nintendo’s Game Boy that truly revolutionized gaming on the go, bringing experiences comparable to the NES into our hands. Nintendo didn’t rest on its laurels, continually innovating with new versions of the Game Boy, and setting a sky-high industry standard with the Nintendo DS back in 2006. Though PlayStation has ventured into this domain, Xbox has notably steered clear. However, that is about to change.
For over a year now, whispers and rumors have floated around regarding Xbox entering the handheld space. Finally, Phil Spencer confirmed these rumors in a recent interview with Bloomberg, revealing that Xbox is indeed gearing up to launch a handheld device. He did caution that it might take a few years for this to materialize commercially. Yet, when it does arrive, there’s one standout feature ready to give it an edge over rivals.
Currently, the handheld market is bustling more than ever. The Nintendo Switch, now in its seventh year, has sold over 140 million units alongside its Lite and OLED versions. Its hardware might lag behind the latest PlayStation and Xbox consoles, yet its portable nature, strong brand identity, and family-friendly orientation have kept it thriving for nearly a decade.
Valve joined the handheld fray in 2022 with the Steam Deck, and since its launch, it has garnered immense praise, being capable of handling demanding modern games with ease. The competitive landscape might not shift drastically by the time Xbox’s handheld comes out. Nintendo plans to unveil a Switch successor next year, and Valve has confirmed a second-generation Steam Deck is in the works. Xbox’s future competition, therefore, might look quite similar to today’s lineup.
Adding to the buzz is a recent Bloomberg report suggesting PlayStation is also in the early stages of developing a new handheld console. Should that prove true, Xbox will face stiff competition once its own device hits the market.
One potential game-changer for Xbox’s handheld could be Xbox Game Pass. Over the past year, Xbox has pushed hard to redefine itself—it’s not just a console anymore; it’s an experience accessible on any device featuring the Xbox app. Xbox Game Pass has been a cornerstone of this vision, with marketing showcasing gamers enjoying their subscriptions across Xbox, PC, mobile, and other platforms through Cloud streaming.
When the Xbox handheld is officially announced, it’s highly likely that Xbox Game Pass will be a major highlight—and rightly so. Having Game Pass as a primary feature could offer substantial benefits both immediately and in the long term.
Initially, Xbox handheld users will have access to an extensive library of games without any additional cost. The variety of games on Game Pass means that users can immediately explore the capabilities of the new device, from blockbuster titles to indie hits, ready on launch day.
In terms of longevity, Xbox Game Pass promises a dynamic, ever-evolving library, encouraging players to return regularly. While PlayStation may counter with its PS Plus collection on a potential new handheld, Game Pass still has the upper hand by including first-party releases from day one—a practice not mirrored by PS Plus. This advantage is poised to grow, thanks to Xbox’s increasing portfolio, which now boasts offerings from Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda, and Activision-Blizzard.
With such a strategic focus, Xbox’s upcoming handheld device could redefine gaming on the go, making it a formidable player in the portable gaming arena.
