Microsoft has been toying with the idea of a portable gaming device for quite some time.  Rumors have been swirling for years about a potential Xbox handheld console.  However, it seems that Microsoft has decided to hit the pause button on this project, at least for the time being.  Instead, the company is focusing its efforts on enhancing the gaming experience on Windows 11 for third-party handheld devices.  This includes devices like ASUS' Project Kennan.  So, what does this mean for the future of Xbox handheld gaming?

Microsoft is not abandoning the idea of a handheld console entirely.  They are still working on the technology needed for such a device.  However, it is not a priority right now.  This shift in focus has led some to question the future of Xbox handheld gaming.  Microsoft has a history of exploring handheld gaming.  Phil Spencer, the CEO of Microsoft Gaming, has even acknowledged the existence of past Xbox handheld prototypes.  None of these prototypes ever made it to market, though.  Last year, Spencer hinted at the possibility of a new Xbox handheld, but he did not confirm it.  He also mentioned that any such device was still "a few years out. "  More recently, Spencer showcased how he plays Xbox games on the Lenovo Legion Go.  He also expressed his belief that the team could create something innovative with an Xbox handheld.

There have been speculations that the next-generation Xbox console could support a handheld device.  This is similar to how the Nintendo Switch operates.  However, the latest reports suggest that the development of the next Xbox console was not affected by the decision to pause the handheld project.  This calls into question earlier reports that suggested otherwise.  Earlier this year, Xbox president Sarah Bond hinted that Microsoft's next home console would offer the "largest technical leap" in Xbox history.  Unfortunately, Microsoft has yet to reveal any details about this system or its release date.  So, while the future of Xbox handheld gaming remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Microsoft is focused on pushing the boundaries of what is possible with gaming technology.

Microsoft's Shift: Handheld Gaming Takes a Backseat

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