Xbox Handheld Looks to Compete with SteamOS

Description: Microsoft's VP of "Next Generation," Jason Ronald, has unveiled their plans to bring the "best of Xbox and Windows" to PCs and handheld devices. Dive into Microsoft's vision for the future of gaming.

Bringing the Best Aspects of Xbox and Windows

Focusing on PC First, Then Handhelds

On January 8, The Verge reported that Microsoft’s VP of "Next Generation," Jason Ronald, expressed his ambition to integrate "the best of Xbox and Windows" into PCs and handhelds during CES 2025. Ronald, a roundtable panelist at AMD and Lenovo’s event titled "The Future of Gaming Handhelds," hinted at Microsoft's plans to extend the Xbox experience to PC. Following the event, The Verge caught up with Ronald to delve deeper into his vision.

"We’ve been innovating in the console space for a long time, and as we partner across the industry, our focus is on how we can bring those innovations from the console to PC and handheld gaming," Ronald explained.

Although the Xbox handheld is still under development, Ronald assured that significant progress will be seen in 2025. "Our goal is to enhance the gaming experience for both players and developers across the broader Windows ecosystem," he stated.

With the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck leading the handheld market, Ronald acknowledged that Windows currently faces challenges in delivering a seamless handheld experience. Microsoft aims to enhance Windows by making it more controller-friendly and supportive of various devices beyond just keyboards and mice. Despite these hurdles, Ronald is confident in Microsoft's ability to deliver. "The Xbox operating system is built on Windows, so we have a robust infrastructure from the console space that we can leverage to provide a premium gaming experience on any device," he remarked.

When pressed for more details about their plans, Ronald hinted at an ongoing journey. "You’ll see a lot of investments over time, and we’ll have more to share later this year," he teased. Ronald emphasized that the goal is to integrate the Xbox experience into PCs, not just the current Windows desktop.

Though specifics about Xbox’s handheld device remain scarce, Microsoft appears committed to blending the best features of Xbox and Windows to significantly elevate the gaming experience.

Handhelds Showcased at CES 2025

As Microsoft shifts its strategy for PCs and handhelds, other electronics and gaming companies are also making significant advancements in the handheld market.

For example, Lenovo recently unveiled the SteamOS-powered Lenovo Legion GO S, the first of its kind. SteamOS, currently utilized by the Steam Deck, could potentially be adapted for other handheld devices, following Lenovo's announcement.

Meanwhile, a prototype of the Nintendo Switch 2 has been showcased to a select group by Genki, an accessory maker. Although Nintendo has not released detailed information about its upcoming console, an official announcement is expected soon, as hinted by president Furukawa at the end of the fiscal year.

With new handheld devices entering the market, Microsoft will need to accelerate its efforts to remain competitive.