Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox handheld, likely releasing by 2027, may feature a Switch-style docking system, allowing both handheld and TV play. Reports suggest two handheld projects: one by ASUS (possibly 2025) and a "true" successor by Microsoft (2027). The latter may use Qualcomm chips, support games from Microsoft Store, Epic, and Steam, and could even run PlayStation titles—a first for Xbox. However, details remain unconfirmed. Release timelines vary, with some pointing to 2027 and others to 2028.
This feels weirdly too late. I can't imagine that many people in 2027 who passed on a Switch 1/2, SteamDeck, supposed other upcoming handhelds, or the ROG Ally and are looking for a gaming handheld with money to burn.
Xbox has to really bring something hot to the table, and its certainly not whatever they've been doing with their hardware/games/IPs for the past 5 years.
That's like saying people won't be interested in new laptops because they already own one. If new handhelds are more performant and power efficient, there will be demand for it.
True, though people tend to replace laptops when they fall out of support or start having hardware issues, much less often to do an upgrade looking for more frames.
I still feel Microsoft has to bring something hot to really sway anyone over since they have a long history of competing in the mobile hardware space and fumbling it hard.
With a Qualcomm chip though… there will be some teething issues, best case.
Well the rumored Qualcomm handheld is still two years away assuming it doesn't get delayed. Qualcomm's next generation of chips are expected to be alot better, and Microsoft have been improving their x86->arm translation layer lately. It's too early to tell if a qualcomm handheld is a bad idea.
I will believe it when I see it. I hope so.
Qualcomm makes a lot of hype/noise but historically tends to overpromise, and also makes some unforced blunders. But a real ARM competitor would be great.
Allegedly, it's an improved Windows experience so you get the compatibility without having to use a desktop operating system on a handheld game machine. So, you get Game Pass and kernel level anti cheat games with a UX similar to the Steam Deck (ish). And besides, "everything is an Xbox". They don't care how many of these things sell as long as you're on Game Pass or buying their games.
Let's all call their bluff and buy none of them to see how much they care.
So it'll be the ROG Ally but 'better' because its less Windows than normal. Hmm.
The last part concerns me. Why am I buying into a platform that Microsoft couldn't care less if it sells at all because they make their money from subscriptions?
People don't want hardware that just gets abandoned when its not profitable enough, which Microsoft absolutely has a history of doing.
Every time you buy a PC, you're buying a platform that Microsoft couldn't care less if it sells at all, and that's all this will be. It will be supported by Microsoft as any other Windows PC, for better or worse.
Well a Windows license is just that: Here is a code for the OS, have fun. They don't care because most support will be from hardware vendors.
Microsoft hardware is a different beast. You need to have parts for replacement, its got to be compatible (and stay compatible) with whatever accessories are coming out, and its got to be better than its competitors on new game launches. That last part takes coordination and support with dev teams.
Don't care isn't a great option, unless Microsoft wants another Windows Phone or Zune or one of the many other failed hardware launches they've had.
Allegedly