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.
I mean choosing Qualcomm means they're targeting Arm chips, which Intel and AMD don't make.
It would probably mean a longer battery life, but I'm not sure how that would work for backwards compatibility and power.
If that's true though, it would really set this device apart from the competition.
It means emulation with pretty much every current title, and graphics driver issues and sluggish game out of the wazoo (as Qualcomm is very different than AMD/Intel/Nvidia).
ARM being more power efficient is also kind of a meme. Intel/AMD can be extremely good when clocked low (which they can do since there’s no emulation overhead), with both the CPU/GPU. Apple just makes x86 look bad because they burn a ton of money on power efficiency, but Qualcomm is more in the “budget” space. No one is paying $2K for an Xbox handheld like they would for an Apple product.
Yeah, I know it would mean emulation, the question is more if they can deliver. Since they state it will work with all Microsoft, Epic, and Steam games. Assuming any of the leaks are right.
Games are complex. Qualcomm/MS may tune it for the most popular titles, but I just don’t see how they can catch up to years of desktop GPU driver development.
Yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking.
Idk where you’ve been lately but Apple has gone way budget friendlier with Mac mini’s. You can get a serious machine for $1200
The base M4 is a very small chip with a modest memory config. Don’t get me wrong, it’s fantastic, but it’s more Steam Deck/laptop than beefy APU (which the M4 Pro is a closer analogue to).
$1200 is pricey for what it is, partially because Apple spends so much on keeping it power efficient, rather than (for example) using a smaller die or older process and clocking it higher.
I thought he meant more R&D, but even $1200 would be way too expensive for a console (especially a handheld).
Base model is $699 IIRC so PS5 pro price if we’re being pedantic lol