Xbox boss confirms that a Microsoft handheld is in development but gamers still have to wait

XBOX has the power of Microsoft behind it, and the company is known for promoting cross-play for its games via Xbox Play Anywhere.

This means people can play many Xbox games either on console or PC, but one platform has always been missing.

Of the big three, or big four if you include Valve and its hugely popular Steam Deck, Xbox is the only one that has never released a handheld console.

With the huge success of the Nintendo Switch, console makers and developers are now realising the full potential of portable consoles.

PlayStation released the PS Portal to capture some of that market, and it immediately sold out upon release.

People had to wait months in order to grab their own, as demand continued to outpace supply.

Despite all of these success stories, Xbox has still not expanded into the portable market.

A new report by Bloomberg, reveals that Xbox wants to release a handheld console, but that it’s still in the research and development phase.

Xbox boss Phil Spencer told the publication that he admires portable devices and understands that gamers expect a handheld from the company.

Spencer revealed that Microsoft is working on handheld prototypes, and also looking into the market.

Currently, Xbox is focusing on developing software that would work with handheld gaming, in particular, making the Xbox App as good as it can be.

Spencer admits: “The Xbox app right now is good rather than great on some of these [remote play] gadgets.”

The executive believes that any Xbox handheld console would only be released after several more years of development.

Spencer says: “Longer term, I love us building devices.

“And I think our team could do some real innovative work, but we want to be informed by learning and what’s happening now.”

Xbox on the Go

Most people game on the go these days, whether that’s mobile games during their commute, or playing the Switch on the sofa while their TV is in use.

With the power of Microsoft behind it, it’s always felt strange that Xbox has never released a handheld device.

Whenever Xbox finally releases its handheld, it’s sure to be successful, but it feels as if it’s starting years too late.

If you want to read more about Xbox, check out the latest free games on Games Pass.