Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft Gaming, has confirmed the company’s intention to develop an Xbox handheld device, though he emphasized that it’s still several years from launch.
In an interview with Bloomberg, Spencer noted that while there is an “expectation” for Microsoft to enter the handheld gaming market, the timeline remains distant. Currently, Microsoft is experimenting with prototypes and exploring possibilities, with the team refining their concept based on market insights and trends.
In the near term, Microsoft plans to enhance the Xbox app’s compatibility with existing handheld gaming devices, Phil Spencer shared. “Longer term, I love the idea of us building devices,” Spencer added, expressing confidence that Microsoft’s team could bring fresh innovation to the handheld market, but emphasized the importance of learning from current trends first.
Microsoft gaming boss Phil Spencer. Photo by Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg via Getty Images.
Spencer has openly expressed his interest in an Xbox handheld console, nearly confirming the plan during a June interview with IGN after the 2024 Xbox Games Showcase. “The future for us in hardware is pretty awesome,” he said at the time. “The team is doing incredible work around different form factors and ways to play, and I’m incredibly excited about it.”
He added, “Today was about the games... but there will be a time when we talk more about platform, and we’re looking forward to that.”
When asked if a future Xbox handheld might be a standalone device for local gaming, like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch, or focused on cloud-based gameplay, Spencer emphasized, “I think being able to play games locally is really important.”