Microsoft has officially announced its intention to launch an Xbox handheld device, although it’s still several years down the line.

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Microsoft has officially announced its intention to launch an Xbox handheld device, although it’s still several years down the line.Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft Gaming, has confirmed the company’s aim to develop an Xbox handheld device, noting that its release is still several years away.

In a conversation with Bloomberg, Spencer indicated that there is an intention to create something in the handheld gaming market, but this device is a few years off from being launched. He mentioned that Microsoft is actively working on prototypes and exploring potential designs based on current market trends.

In the near term, Spencer highlighted that Microsoft will concentrate on enhancing the Xbox app to improve its functionality on existing handheld gaming devices. He expressed enthusiasm for the idea of creating new hardware, emphasizing the importance of being informed by ongoing developments in the industry.

Spencer has openly shared his interest in entering the handheld console arena with Xbox offerings. He effectively confirmed this ambition in his talk with IGN following the 2024 Xbox Games Showcase. He remarked, “The future for us in hardware is very promising,” and conveyed excitement about the team’s explorations into various formats and gameplay experiences.

When asked whether a prospective Xbox handheld would serve as a dedicated gaming device for local play, akin to the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch, or if it would rely on cloud services, Spencer affirmed, “I think local gameplay is crucial.”

In a prior interview with Polygon in March, he mentioned several features that would ensure a handheld console retains the essence of Xbox, such as providing access to all games and associated save files. He posited, “What can we develop to attract new players and enable them to play at times they previously could not?”

Speculation about the handheld intensified after the release of leaked Microsoft documents last fall, which outlined plans for such a device. However, Spencer later clarified that those plans had evolved. Microsoft has signaled its intentions for new hardware and announced a multi-year roadmap in February that includes a next-generation Xbox console in development.