Microsoft hints at Xbox gaming handheld in the works by sending out surveys

[Redaktion]

We recently had a leak on an upcoming Microsoft Xbox gaming handheld from Jez Corden, a reputed source for Xbox-related news. It suggested that the portable console is on track for a 2026 launch. Now, the company is fueling such rumors by sending out surveys asking what gaming handhelds the survey takers are using and whether they would consider buying another in the next five years.

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Microsoft-hints-at-Xbox-gaming-handheld-in-the-works-by-sending-out-surveys.833164.0.html

[Fierce.XT]

They will obviously use AMD hardware to ensure perfect compatibility with all the titles on conventional consoles.

[A]

xbox sales are collapsing, why would anyone want a portable console from them?

[George]

For handheld gaming I see/use three distinct use patterns:

#1 in the wild, away from any LAN/WAN or (generally) external power sources
#2 not-so-wild, online gaming with (or without) external power sources
#3 similar to #2 above but streaming FROM local or online sources

Obviously MS will want to offer products that are tied to their subscriptions however being able to stream from an existing Xbox (or PC) in another room or having a group of handheld players "team up" and play together in the same room (or not!) would likely require MS online services and $$$.

I'll go out on a limb here and say MS is going to use an "X Elite" chip for their handheld, snubbing both Intel & AMD in the process. :)

[hugh mungus]

xbox sales are collapsing, why would anyone want a portable console from them?

Because console sales are in general collapsing and handheld PC sales are rising.

[A]

xbox sales are collapsing, why would anyone want a portable console from them?

Because console sales are in general collapsing and handheld PC sales are rising.

Playstation sales are going strong, it is mostly xbox

As for handheld, it is a much harder market than consoles. Because you face competition from mobile phones that will eventually have more powerful processors than your handheld console. this is why Vita stood no chance

Switch did did okay in part because Nintendo is known for kids games and not all parents feel comfortable giving kids access to apps on smartphones. Not to mention the decade old franchises

Of course there are things like Steam Deck which is doing okay, but do understand that is a fairly competitive market where pretty much anyone can release a PC handheld, and many are. What can they bring to the table profitably?

[George]

Of course there are things like Steam Deck which is doing okay, but do understand that is a fairly competitive market where pretty much anyone can release a PC handheld, and many are. What can they bring to the table profitably?

My guess is that they will release a Snapdragon X Elite based handheld as a Streaming Client & since they OWN almost countless game studios they can recompile an almost endless list of games for it.

In the interm the 'clients' will push their XBox Game Streaming services (the 'Holly Grail' is reoccurring revenue) and the recompiled catalog of games can be used offline until current and next generation games are made (compiled) for the Snapdragon.

[A]

My guess is that they will release a Snapdragon X Elite based handheld as a Streaming Client & since they OWN almost countless game studios they can recompile an almost endless list of games for it.

In the interm the 'clients' will push their XBox Game Streaming services (the 'Holly Grail' is reoccurring revenue) and the recompiled catalog of games can be used offline until current and next generation games are made (compiled) for the Snapdragon.

But here is the thing, even if they did that which would be a lot of work, how would they compete against dozens of other Snapdragon X Elite handhelds that will come out? or the X Elite 2 that will likely come out a year after. Or they will also release a new version every year like one does a pc or phone?

I will remind you that as part of the activision merger, they promised no exclusivity till 2033