Microsoft has officially addressed its upcoming Xbox handheld gaming device at CES 2025, with Xbox Gaming Devices VP Jason Ronald providing new insights into the company’s vision for portable gaming.
During discussions with The Verge at CES, Ronald, known for spearheading the Xbox One X and Xbox Series S|X launches, emphasized that the device would combine the best elements of both console and PC gaming ecosystems. This confirmation follows recent comments from Xbox head Phil Spencer about the company’s handheld gaming ambitions.
Ronald highlighted Microsoft’s extensive console development experience as a key advantage in their handheld strategy. “We’ve been really innovating for a long time in the console space,” he stated, explaining that Microsoft aims to bring these console innovations to both PC and handheld gaming platforms.
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The device will leverage Microsoft’s two decades of operating system development, with Ronald noting their focus on bringing Xbox’s streamlined gaming experience to a broader audience. “We’re focused on really simplifying that and making it much more like a console experience,” he explained, emphasizing the goal of putting “the player and their library at the center of the experience.”
While specific launch details remain under wraps, industry analysis suggests a potential late 2026 release window, coinciding with rumors of the next Xbox console generation. This timeline aligns with Phil Spencer’s recent comments that the handheld is still “a few years” away from release.
The announcement comes amid increasing competition in the handheld gaming market, particularly with new devices featuring AMD’s Ryzen Z2 processor. Microsoft’s entry into this space could significantly impact the portable gaming landscape, offering a unique proposition that bridges the gap between console and PC gaming experiences.
Microsoft promises more information about the Xbox handheld later this year, suggesting 2025 will be crucial for understanding how the company plans to differentiate its offering in an increasingly crowded handheld gaming market.
The confirmation of an Xbox handheld represents a significant strategic move for Microsoft, potentially reshaping how players interact with their Xbox gaming ecosystem on the go. As development continues, the gaming community eagerly awaits more details about this ambitious project that aims to unite Microsoft’s console and PC gaming expertise in a portable form factor.
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