The gaming industry is experiencing a significant shift with the introduction of portable consoles, and Microsoft is eager to be part of this evolution.
Internal sources indicate that Microsoft is working on prototypes for a “fully native” game console. This console aims to broaden the Xbox ecosystem beyond the confines of traditional home consoles.
Xbox could join the Portable consoles of Valve, Lenovo, and Asus
Phil Spencer, the CEO of Xbox and Microsoft Gaming, has suggested that Xbox’s upcoming projects will be both “unique and powerful.” Additionally, the president of Xbox, Sarah Bond has hinted at forthcoming hardware announcements around the holiday season, indicating that a groundbreaking console generation is in the works.
Drawing from these statements and insights from internal sources, it appears that Microsoft’s strategy is clear: to venture into the portable console market, which has seen explosive growth since the launch of the Nintendo Switch in 2017.
With over 100 million units sold, the success of the Switch has underscored the market’s potential. Moreover, devices like the Steam Deck and other portable gaming PCs such as the ASUS Rog Ally and Lenovo Legion Go have demonstrated strong demand in this niche.
Xbox console would run games natively
Contrary to recent rumors, the potential Xbox portable console would operate games natively, avoiding the limitations of cloud streaming. This means users could enjoy games on the go with the quality and performance they’ve come to expect from Xbox.
While prototypes don’t guarantee a commercial product, their existence suggests that Microsoft is taking the portable console market seriously. If this device comes to fruition, it could revolutionize portable gaming and potentially attract a new wave of Xbox fans.
Is this going to be Microsoft’s next major move in gaming? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the future of portable gaming is promising and full of opportunities.
