Explorer

Microsoft Gaming CEO Confirms Plans For Xbox Handheld Akin To Nintendo Switch, Here's What He Said

Spencer’s confirmation comes just a couple of months after Microsoft’s layoff of 650 gaming division employees.

Microsoft Gaming CEO, Phil Spencer, has finally put an end to rumours and confirmed plans for making an Xbox handheld. During an interview with Bloomberg, Spencer outlined longer-term goals for continuing to build devices. While talking on the topic, he talked about the major focus being on handheld devices and mobile gaming markets. Further, he also expressed interest in more acquisitions and partnerships which will drive the growth of the company forward. 

Spencer’s confirmation comes just a couple of months after Microsoft’s layoff of 650 gaming division employees, contributing to a total of 2,550 roles eliminated from the gaming sector in 2024. Microsoft Gaming is exploring potential deals to acquire a mobile gaming company, although no specific targets have been named, likely due to the recent $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023. Amidst these developments, gamers are eager to hear more about Spencer’s vision for a potential Xbox handheld console.

ALSO READ | Primebook S Wi-Fi (2024) Review: Laptop Cheaper Than A Smartphone? Primebook Serves The Purpose Quite Wellsa

Will Xbox Make Its Place Amid Fierce Competition?

Previously, the Xbox boss hinted at his admiration for handheld consoles, but Spencer hadn't directly confirmed an Xbox handheld was in the works until now. With competitors like Nintendo who are years ahead in the handheld console market, Phil Spencer acknowledged that the "expectation is that we would do something" to provide Xbox gamers a similar portable console experience. However, the company has already invested in making games available on existing portable devices through the Xbox app.

Xbox remains focused on expanding its Game Pass and Cloud Gaming initiatives. Spencer shared that, over the coming months, the team will work on refining the Xbox app for existing mobile devices, enhancing performance and user experience. They also plan to collaborate with hardware manufacturers to optimize Xbox experiences, ensuring smooth connectivity and synchronization across devices. While Cloud Gaming is already compatible with various platforms, Spencer aims to improve its performance on current hardware to inform future product development.

For now, a dedicated Xbox handheld device is still a few years away. Microsoft Gaming teams are experimenting with prototypes, but Spencer’s primary goal is to align any new device with Xbox’s larger strategy. This cautious approach seems prudent, especially considering the competitive landscape of the handheld gaming market, where many established players already hold strong positions.

View More
Advertisement
Advertisement
25°C
New Delhi
Rain: 100mm
Humidity: 97%
Wind: WNW 47km/h
See Today's Weather
powered by
Accu Weather
Advertisement

Top Headlines

'Not In Good Taste', 'No Significance In Maharashtra': NDA Leaders Divided Over 'Batenge To Katenge' Slogan
'Not In Good Taste', 'No Significance In Maharashtra': NDA Leaders Divided Over 'Batenge To Katenge' Slogan
GRAP 3 In Delhi From Tomorrow As AQI Remains In 'Severe' Category. Details Here
GRAP 3 In Delhi From Tomorrow As AQI Remains In 'Severe' Category. Details Here
AAP's Mahesh Kumar Khichi Elected As Delhi's New Mayor Amid Cross-Voting
AAP's Mahesh Kumar Khichi Elected As Delhi's New Mayor Amid Cross-Voting
'Cong Desperate For Power Like Fish Out Of Water': Modi At Mumbai Rally, Takes 'Remote Control' Jibe At Uddhav
'Cong Desperate For Power Like Fish Out Of Water': Modi At Mumbai Rally, Takes 'Remote Control' Jibe At Uddhav
Advertisement
ABP Premium

Videos

Nirmala Sitharaman Announces Game-Changing Collateral-Free Loan Scheme for MSMEsSIP Emerges as a Safe Investment Amidst Market Fluctuations | Paisa LiveTop Banks Offering 8.75% Interest for Senior Citizens: Here’s What You Need to Know!RBI Set to Make a Big Decision on Your EMI: What You Need to Know!

Photo Gallery

Embed widget