Microsoft is said to be developing an Xbox handheld gaming console dedicated to the games available on its renowned platform, soon to bring a prototype to the company.
This is going to be Microsoft's first-ever handheld gaming console, despite its more than 23 years in the industry since the first release of the original Xbox console in 2001.
That said, it will compete with its rivals, including Sony with the PlayStation Portal and Nintendo with the renowned portable console, the Switch.
Xbox Handheld Is Now In Development, Prototype Soon
Jez Corden of the Xbox Two Podcast claimed that he was recently given a tip that Microsoft is working on an Xbox handheld console. The company is already on its way to creating a prototype for it.
Corden went as far as to claim that this will be a dedicated gaming console that would go beyond the previous speculations that Microsoft would only feature Xbox's Cloud Gaming.
Corden also believes that there are prototypes present now, saying, "I think Microsoft would be absolutely insane not to do this," about the widely available technology.
However, he regarded that despite the existence of the Xbox handheld and its prototypes, this does not necessarily mean that it would be released to the public.
Xbox Handheld vs. PlayStation Portal, Switch
Microsoft's biggest rivals for the Xbox handheld would be the massive gaming companies, which offer portable gaming, including the Japanese corporations Sony and Nintendo.
For now, Xbox's handheld faces PlayStation's Portal, a known mirror to the PS5, and the Nintendo Switch, a dedicated console for tabletop and portable experiences.
Gaming Handhelds Now
There are no Microsoft or Xbox handheld consoles yet, but before, the company's Surface Duo debuted a feature to access the Xbox Cloud Gaming platform to bring portable experiences to the device.
While this passed as an ample Microsoft handheld, it was not designed for gaming, unlike its rivals in the industry.
Sony is known for its numerous handhelds over the years, from the original series of the PlayStation Portable, which released three mainline devices, followed by the PSP GO, and last, the PS Vita.
However, Sony's most recent handheld gaming console take was with the PlayStation Portal, a device that could only mirror the content of the PS5 and could not play locally with dedicated titles.
On the other hand, Nintendo's Switch series has offered the V1, V2, and OLED versions since its inception in 2017. It was said that Nintendo is gearing up for the Switch 2, but it is expected by 2025 at the very least.
Microsoft's rumored entry to the handheld experience also faces rivalry from Valve's Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, Lenovo's Legion GO, Ayaneo's multiple portable consoles, and more.
However, this does not seem to be a hindrance for Microsoft as it is already looking towards creating a prototype centered on the massive experience of the platform, with the Xbox namesake given to the console.
