Xbox Reportedly Developing Fully Native Handheld

Microsoft is making waves in the gaming world with reports surfacing that the tech giant may be working on a "fully native" handheld Xbox console. In the race to capitalize on the growing demand for portable gaming, Microsoft is said to be prototyping a handheld device that would differ from Sony's cloud-based PlayStation Portal, instead offering an experience similar to the Nintendo Switch's native hardware system.

Gaming enthusiasts may recall that Sony ventured into the handheld space with the PlayStation Portal last year, aiming to tap into Switch's market albeit with some connectivity hiccups due to reliance on a strong internet connection. However, the Xbox's handheld alternative looks to forgo cloud gaming in favor of a built-in approach, potentially offering a steadier and more consistent gameplay experience.

The information came to light through Jez Corden on the Xbox Two podcast, mentioning the development of "new prototypes" that stray from previous cloud handheld concepts and reassures fans on the pursuit of a standalone handheld Xbox. It's important to acknowledge that prototype projects can often be shelved, so the launch of such a device is not set in stone.

As Microsoft moves to expand game accessibility across platforms, titles like 'Pentiment', 'Grounded', 'Hi-Fi Rush', and 'Sea of Thieves' will make their way to different consoles. This move aligns with Microsoft's philosophy of games ubiquity, something that a handheld console could greatly benefit from, especially when considering the potential integration with Xbox Game Pass.

A handheld Xbox could significantly impact the portable gaming sector by offering Xbox fans a way to play their favorite games on the go. With the success of handheld devices like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, an Xbox handheld that would potentially integrate with Xbox Game Pass could capitalize on the trend of portable gaming, offering a familiar ecosystem for Xbox users outside the confines of their living rooms. It would also reflect Microsoft's broader strategy of making their games available across multiple platforms, giving gamers more flexibility in how and where they enjoy their content.

Additional Background: If Microsoft does release a handheld Xbox console, it would represent the company's first major foray into the handheld gaming market since the advent of mobile gaming. The closest precedent to this effort was the limited functionality of the Xbox SmartGlass app, which allowed users to interact with their Xbox 360 and Xbox One consoles using mobile devices but didn't support full game play. The gaming community has long speculated about an Xbox portable device, comparing the idea to past portable gaming initiatives such as the PSP and PS Vita by Sony, as well as the enduring popularity of Nintendo's various handheld consoles. The integration with Xbox Game Pass is particularly significant because it's a subscription service that provides access to a vast library of games, which would be an extraordinary boon for a portable Xbox device.