For most of 2024, rumors swirled that Xbox was quietly working on a new device for the masses—a Xbox handheld, no less. Not something designed to compete directly with the Nintendo Switch or the many handheld PC devices like the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Legion Go, but rather a way for Xbox fans to play their games while away from their consoles, supplementing their gaming experience.
Then things got real when Xbox head Phil Spencer stated in an interview with Bloomberg that “expectation is that we would do something” in the handheld gaming space, though such a device was still a few years out. That statement all but confirmed that an Xbox handheld was in development.
Except, the more I heard and saw speculation about this handheld, the more skeptical I became. I started to believe that this device wouldn’t see the light of day. Why? Well, I have some points you’ll want to check out before calling me crazy. Not that I’m not crazy.
Of course, everything in this article is my personal opinion and does not reflect the views of The Outerhaven crew.
Let’s start with the most obvious reason for my skepticism. The handheld market is...
