Xbox is already working on a portable console, Phil Spencer confirms, but don’t get too excited just yet

A portable xbox This is the dream of many players around the world, and its realization is one step closer to reality. Phil SpencerCEO of Microsoft Gaming, confirmed that they are already working on a console like Steam Deck or ROG Ally. However, he was careful not to create false expectations among the public.

In a recent interview with BloombergSpencer mentioned handheld consoles and the entry of Xbox into this segment. The executive said there was a lot of curiosity about the company’s possible foray into this type of equipment, and that it was driving development of various prototypesin order to make a final decision.

“We’re expected to do something,” he explained, referring to the creation of a portable Xbox. He also said that those responsible for studying the possibility of creating such a console have been instructed to study devices that are already in the hands of consumers and create your own version based on what you learn.

“Long term, I like that we are creating devices. I think our team can do some really innovative work, but we want to stay informed by learning about what’s happening now. [en el mercado]”, noted Phil Spencer.

Although the Xbox leader has spoken several times in recent years about the possibility of creating his own portable console, this is the first time he has given any real indication that work is already underway. Bad news? That the device in the specified form factor is still This is in a few years.– he admitted.

Microsoft is already working on a portable Xbox, confirms Phil Spencer

While it’s positive that work is already underway on the Xbox portable hardware, Spencer explains that there are challenges that need to be addressed in software. In this sense, the leader mentioned Bloomberg that they will soon launch a plan to improve the performance of the Xbox application on other devices in the segmentfor example Lenovo Legion Go or ROG Ally. Microsoft even plans to work with hardware manufacturers to make syncing with games as optimal as possible.

The fact that Redmond residents are already getting started with their portable Xboxes is a new development that is sure to create a lot of excitement among fans. It’s true that the market for these types of consoles today is full of alternatives, but the vast majority are still Windows minicomputers; with the exception of the Steam Deck, which runs a Linux-based distribution. And while Microsoft’s console might start from the same base, it would have an advantage: much tighter software and hardware integrated with the rest of your ecosystem.. From launching local games to cloud games via Game Pass, among other options.

Phil Spencer has made it clear that creating a portable Xbox is no longer a dream. but something tangible. In June of this year, he already stated that a strategy around a device with such characteristics was taking shape. “We should have a portable console. I think we should have a portable console too. […] For us, the future in terms of hardware is pretty cool. I’m really excited about the work the team is doing on different form factors and different ways to play,” said the then-Microsoft Gaming executive.

Meanwhile, a few months earlier, he realized that the big problem was getting the software to work correctly. In this sense, he noted that your main disappointment with current handheld consoles, this was a Windows job. “Our team is working with Windows to make it even better,” he explained at the time.

When will the portable Xbox be released? It’s impossible to say yet, but at least we have confirmation that its development continues. Will it release alongside the Xbox Series X|S successors? We’ll have to wait to find out.