Xbox Handheld Reportedly Canceled – Insider Claims
▼ Summary
– Microsoft has reportedly canceled plans for its own Xbox handheld device, according to insider sources cited by The Verge.
– The company remains focused on next-gen Xbox hardware, potentially through partnerships with PC makers like Asus for multi-device solutions.
– Xbox head Phil Spencer emphasized strong collaboration between gaming and Windows teams, suggesting PCs could function like consoles.
– Microsoft is working with third-party handheld devices, such as the Asus Rog Ally, instead of developing its own dedicated gaming handheld.
– Xbox president Sarah Bond announced upcoming Xbox hardware will deliver the “largest technical leap” in a generation, though details and release timing remain unclear.
Rumors about an Xbox handheld device have been swirling for months, but new reports suggest Microsoft has quietly shelved the project. While the company never officially confirmed development, industry insiders now claim plans for a dedicated gaming portable have been “essentially canceled.”
According to sources cited in recent coverage, Microsoft has shifted its strategy away from creating its own handheld hardware. Instead, the company appears focused on strengthening partnerships with third-party manufacturers. Devices like the Asus ROG Ally—which runs Xbox-compatible software—may represent the future of portable Xbox gaming rather than a first-party system.
Xbox head Phil Spencer recently hinted at deeper integration between console and PC platforms during an interview. He emphasized unprecedented collaboration between Microsoft’s gaming division and Windows teams, suggesting a more open ecosystem. “A properly configured PC can function like a game console,” Spencer remarked, reinforcing the idea that traditional hardware boundaries are blurring.
Despite stepping back from handheld development, Microsoft remains committed to pushing boundaries with its next-generation Xbox hardware. Earlier this year, Xbox president Sarah Bond teased a “historic technical leap” for the upcoming platform, though specifics about performance enhancements or release timelines remain under wraps.
While the Asus ROG Ally and similar devices will fill the portable gaming niche for Xbox fans, questions linger about Microsoft’s long-term vision. The company has yet to clarify whether future partnerships will extend beyond current collaborations or if entirely new form factors are in the works. For now, gamers eager for Xbox on the go will need to rely on third-party solutions rather than an official Microsoft handheld.
Industry watchers continue to speculate about what the next Xbox hardware iteration might bring, especially after Bond’s ambitious performance claims. With no official details available, the gaming community is left reading between the lines of executive statements and insider reports. One thing seems certain: Microsoft’s strategy prioritizes flexibility over traditional console boundaries, even if it means leaving the handheld market to partners.
(Source: Game Spot)
