Why An Xbox Handheld Makes Perfect Sense - Next-Gen Console Watch

Welcome back to Next-Gen Console Watch. This week Daemon is joined my Max from the PlayStation Beyond podcast, and Ryan from IGN's Podcast Unlocked. This week the trio discuss rumors of an Xbox handheld, and why it actually makes sense for Microsoft. Obviously the Nintendo Switch's success has changed the industry, and Valve's Steam Deck has set off a wave of handheld PC imitators-can Xbox also strike gold with a dedicated handheld of their own? And should Sony follow suit following the launch of their PlayStation Portal streaming device? Plus we go over last week's poll, and have a new poll for you tol vote on at IGN.com.
#IGN

[@riddenuk]

The Xbox handheld should include a port to input your Seagate SSD drive. Play your Installed games by unplugging and putting it into your handheld.

[@Bolzburger]

Smart idea

[@theholypickle4861]

That's something id hear from 2012 console leaks😭

[@Sil07__]

t@@theholypickle4861 riddenuks account is 17 years old so maybe you're right

[@d.b.1176]

That would be sweet.

[@riddenuk]

@@Sil07__ I’m an OG Xbox player and in Ryan and Destin’s age group 👍🏻

[@leon3295]

They need to create Gaming focused WIndows

[@Djaermi]

It's weird that they haven't already. They're losing game sales and market share to Steam despite owning the OS that most PC games are designed around and simultaneously owning one of the three major console brands. They have already done most of the work; they just haven't bothered to invest in an interface that bridges the gap between Windows and XBOX.

[@sinistan1002]

I've said similar. for a long time, the vanilla windows on most pc's constantly break stuff want to update your system in the middle of a game, bloated with too many processes running making power users have to tweak this stuff for many years, xbox uses the same os and dx stack just highly optimized more for games they should be able to do that on windows have it boot up to a gaming only mode if not xbox compatible

[@Butt--Head]

*How can you ever look through them then?*

[@rowenarrow]

Preach

[@8bitchiptune420]

They can put the Xbox OS into a handheld just like SteamOS on Steam Deck.

[@eatcarpet]

Everyone thought handhelds were dead and now suddenly everyone wants to make their own handhelds.

[@kidrobot.]

no they didnt

[@carlodotson9793]

@@kidrobot. Gamers didn’t think so, but the industry most definitely didn’t take handheld gaming seriously until the Switch.

[@Luke973T]

No everyone didn't. Competing with with Nintendo in the handheld space is the big hurdle.

[@skycloud4802]

That's because mobile gaming never really took off like it was expecting to. iPhone and Android games are still pretty much full to the brim of P2W GACHAs and simple touch screen puzzle games. At best, there are Sega Mega Drive, SNES, and PS1 ports of those classic on phones, but that can be just as easily done with a handheld emulator anyway, and aren't pushing the capabilities of phones very much.

[@herohunter81]

It’s because from the beginning all gamers wanted was to take their games anywhere. The technology has finally caught up to take PC/Console quality games anywhere. Not the watered down weaker portable experience we had to deal with.

[@RandomGuyComments]

Imagine the new Halo LAN parties that will be remembered in years if this happens

[@dbzfan4evermj233]

It would be dope especially since they never had handheld devices before

[@redring4083]

It would be a disaster. Sony failed and you think Microsoft can find success? Xbox is already struggling to sell their home consoles, an Xbox handheld will be a disaster especially with PC handhelds now available in market.

[@CottoInTokyo]

@@redring4083 valid point

[@hollowkid97]

​@@redring4083Sony failed cause it wasn't really a console

[@TheBean87]

@@redring4083sony failed during a time when handhelds weren’t as popular. People actually want them now.

[@alexandrecl4331]

Every handheld is a console if it was designed to play video games

[@CARLGULA]

An Xbox handheld would be absolutely brilliant! It would need at least 16GB GDDR6 RAM along with an AMD Z1 extreme APU (or the Z1 extreme successor) with at least 256GB of NVME SSD storage. If they could release a portable console for $350 or less it'd definitely be a massive success. The OS would be the best part, if they could make it run the same OS as the Xbox Series X|S we'd have an extremely capable handheld Xbox. The worst part of the Asus ROG Ally is it runs windows which is just too bloated and convoluted for a dedicated handheld gaming machine. Come on @Xbox make us an incredible Xbox handheld console ✌️

[@michalandrejmolnar3715]

The biggest thing would be if it had Steam.

[@Rine.4656]

Nintendo Switch is the reason Sony and MS are exploring portable gaming (that's it!)

[@MafiaAt2amLIVE]

Yessir the switch did it so perfect they are now a blue print

[@bobbydazzler329]

Nintendo always sets the trends, Sony and Microsoft have never had an original idea in their lives

[@BarryRerack147]

Of course! Famously, portable gaming didn't exist before the switch

[@uriahnewtton7312]

@@BarryRerack147Nintendo made it popular way before the switch

[@BarryRerack147]

@@uriahnewtton7312 Big news if true

[@BloodMasterLink]

Xbox handheld? Gimme now please.

[@menkros1]

Steam deck app instead?

[@TenacityYT]

YESSS

[@skycloud4802]

Valve wouldn't pass it up. Unfortunately Microsoft might want the handheld locked down so they can get more Xbox Store exclusives and Xbox Pass.

[@SuperSaiyanBroku]

Problem is you can't go into a store to buy one

[@Adamtendo_player_1]

All of these so-called handhelds will fall against Switch 2 and Microsoft will especially fail in handhelds just as they did in consoles lmao.

[@NectarineC]

exactly. you can already stream to the deck.

[@spidersilva147]

Xbox needs to focus on releasing more games 1st than more hardware

[@gearardlefore]

This is a fact haven't turned on my Xbox since the holidays as PS5 is killing the game

[@Blu-Izzy]

Wym? Sony has released more hardware than exclusives this generation so far

[@nathanjuan6042]

@@gearardlefore There haven't been exclusive games for PS5 as well a lot of games that is released by playstation is also available in PS4 so there is no reason to buy PS5 as well.

[@spidersilva147]

@@Blu-Izzy PlayStation has been making sure we have games This year already we have Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Granblue Fantasy Relink Rise of the Ronin Stellar Blade (4/26) Helldivers 2 Ultros

[@spidersilva147]

@@nathanjuan6042 Those PS4 games look and play much better on PS5, PS5 has the better games hands down

[@TheRealPaull]

10:45 we are having alot of games now releaseing with ONLY a 30fps option. thats why we need a refresh but a 10% increase just isnt enough based on paper documents

[@ggplayer1170]

They should make a PC & console hybrid

[@MoFoTRex93]

That's the idea, Phil Spencer wants PC games on xbox. Imagine the Steam library on an Xbox handheld, you can play Playstation games on it.

[@sly2792004]

Nah that would own Xbox ecosystem up to hacking

[@manuelberenguerrojas7271]

How about improving windows for portables or even making a gamepass Linux app? We don't need another handheld

[@joshispro345]

this is gonna be awesome

[@fbueno]

If for the current gen the question is, with all the discussions around increased game development costs, how will Microsoft convince third-party studios to support one more hardware?

[@sebastiancastellanos3575]

they dont need to. its x86 based after all .

[@michalandrejmolnar3715]

It will be like supporting Steam and PC

[@CosmiCandy]

Absolutely!

[@yudianantha4549]

The hardware is catching up so fast Now we need to focus on the software

[@KenDej]

The PS Portable is a waste of money. You can’t use it without having your PlayStation on.

[@dur0]

Love the sweater, Daemon!

[@Alex-oy6wb]

When is Replaced being released?

[@nationharris]

3:56 lol what? There's been plenty of rumours 😂

[@RandomGuyComments]

Just setup my Lenovo Legion Go! Loving it vs my gaming laptop

[@ogg7490]

Why mention the steandeck and not the rog ally

[@aCozyManatee]

Daemons shirt is awesome lol

[@mattjones9535]

I'd snap up a handheld Game Pass machine. Needs to be powered though not cloud based

[@Fazeshyft]

2:18 "They want to meet you wherever you are..." unless your games are on a disc, then you can piss right off.

[@MarkJohnson-ev2jw]

We need a gaming focused windows OS. The legion go, ally and other windows handheld need this support.

[@yusefyohan300]

I’ll definitely get this if it can play game pass games offline

[@pixelirk]

Imagine PS5 portable, playing ps5 games at 1080p 30FPS using PSSR upscaling from 720p.

[@deluxe5341]

So great to have the cast all back together!!

[@realnerdzonly3270]

And where it's for the competitive team

[@elchris87]

that would be dope and attractive gamepass on the go

[@fightrudyfight5799]

Bring back the Zune!!

[@headbang3r1186]

Don't give me that hope.

[@mr_m4613]

Bring back the games

[@MrDavidRicketts]

Zune?

[@headbang3r1186]

@@MrDavidRicketts Google is free

[@Fellipe2k5]

The Xbox guy worried about PS5 Pro sales, I'm speechless at the level of projection

[@TheBean87]

It’s a valid point, especially if the price isn’t right.

[@AllThingsInfamous1]

They are desperate. They never worry about Xbox that’s why they are in last place.

[@TheBean87]

@@AllThingsInfamous1 yet ps is struggling, but hey whatever narrative you need to get through the day.

[@robf]

​@@TheBean87I mean the entire industry is undergoing cost cutting but a recent look at Sony's public filings doesn't indicate "struggling". In fact Sony seem pretty well positioned all things considered. What do you quantify or perceive as struggling?

[@sirmel11]

​@@robfI'd say Xbox is struggling.

[@Bolzburger]

It’s your time to shine xbox(make Xbox os accessible to everyone on steam deck,Rog ally,legion go, etc)

[@jermelpurse3018]

Also, you guys talk about quality what level of quality would we get. Think if we get modern AAA games on the go how are you going to store something so large. You’re going to need giant built in storage to do so 512 MB won’t get it you need at least 1 TB to be honest. That balloons the cost of your platform. Again, back to quality you want AAA quality visuals well, you’re going to need a heck of a processor and stuff cost comes into play again that stuff ain’t cheap, especially when you shrink it down on a handheld. Nintendo is able to provide the experience they do because they scaled back on all of those things you don’t get a huge storage space when you buy an Nintendo switch because you didn’t need one their games aren’t that big because they scaled back the quality of the graphics. The system can produce. It’s popular it sells, but guess what you can’t get on there you can’t get a modern AAA game to run on it. Look at MK 1 remember how people showed off those visuals how compared visuals they looked like crap. The publisher was happy to sell you the game if you would buy it on a Nintendo switch, but boy they were not excited about how it looked. None of those visuals were showed off in a commercial.

[@itsdeonlol]

Xbox Handheld & a PS Vita 2!!!

[@offical_shot5545]

don't see the psvita2 happening

[@murr9704]

The surface team is working on a handheld and if they bring steam to the Xbox store that’s checkmate..

[@McGregorMX]

steam to the xbox would be a complete solution. Of course, there would still be licensing issues, no way you're getting PS5 games on the xbox that way, but it would allow me to get rid of my gaming computer.

[@PeagmaticDreamer1199]

Will only make sense if fully integrated with Steam Won't buy otherwise

[@ahmadalfalasi194]

It makes sense because they have a huge backlog of xbox games through gamepass that people would like to casually play. Many games, especially older ones are not worth sitting in a living room to play them .. their fun on handheld.

[@KevinSheppard]

One thing Microsoft needs to be aware of is devs' sentiments toward developing a game across two different hardware specs for one platform. Unless they provide some excellent tooling that automatically downscales the game to run well on the handheld, they should decide on one or the other - handheld or traditional console.

[@JogBird]

the problem is if youre going to buy an xbox handheld, why not just buy a windows handheld which doesnt lock you into xbox

[@jimmythegamer2231]

Because you'd be able to carry over your digital library on Xbox and play all of your Xbox console games on the go with cross-buy, cross-save, and everything. Most games you buy on your Xbox cannot be played on PC without repurchasing the same game. Also, unlike something like the Steam Deck, an Xbox handheld would have native Game Pass support. While PC handhelds like the ROG Ally and the Lenovo Legion GO have Game Pass support as well, using Windows on a handheld is cumbersome in general and a modified version of the Xbox OS would be better.

[@gameskyjumper1721]

wasn't Xbox game pass app available on Steam deck? so you can already port your save over that way?​@@jimmythegamer2231

[@redring4083]

​@@jimmythegamer2231your Steam, Origin, Uplay, Gog, etc. library does the same thing. There are more people on PC than on Xbox. Xbox is a dying brand and the nail on that coffin was hit back during the idiotic Xbox One reveal. Don Mattrick killed Xbox with that utter stupidity.

[@sonzu-officialmusicchannel640]

Honestly they should just overhaul the Xbox App on the PC to run Xbox OS or something similar. Like steam big picture mode. Then Microsoft could make its own handheld that ran windows.

[@John117M63]

People say they won't buy it, then the Pro will come out and be sold out for months. Just like the PS Portal

[@kingteky]

This needs to happen and the PSP needs to come back... not whatever PS put out recently...

[@RandomGuyComments]

With Gen Z and Alpha being brought up on touch screen phone/tablet/ipad gameplay, mobile gaming still isn’t quite what people thought it would be but it helped pave the way. Too many smaller games and android based games, yes some can heavy graphics

[@Jokerwolf666]

They're all going to have hybrid systems mark my words. Within the next 5-10 years all the consoles will be hybridized.

[@anonymousanonymous3707]

Ill start taking notice when Microsoft release a gaming device that matches the 360 in terms of overall experience

[@dika2saja]

Yes please, my Legion go is hindered by how bad Windows 11 as handheld OS. Installing Linux Bazzite (Steam deck like) OS in it, made it perfect console.

[@NightDark_Films]

As a p.c player would be down if they do

[@whatsitmatter9541]

It already exist, steam deck.

[@sundaychillfirnament6579]

As long it has tes6 and halo and sync with my homeconsole

[@realnerdzonly3270]

Or update the application to its full potential so what's almost a console can basically be a pc console

[@Deloreon]

A handheld Xbox would be my 1st Xbox

[@RandomGuyComments]

PS Portal with 5G and a WIRED connection at home, works

[@RandomGuyComments]

With Gen Z and Alpha being brought up on touch screen phone/tablet/ipad gameplay, mobile gaming still isn’t quite what people thought it would be but it helped pave the way. Too many smaller games and android based games, yes some can heavy graphics. Us millennials grew up on gameboy, gamegear, psp/vita’s. I ditched my gaming pc for a gaming laptop in the fall and just ditched that tonight for the legion go

[@IrREZistible]

It will only make sense if we (Xbox players) can plug our external memory cards in it so we can play our Xbox games library on it natively.

[@lowcut6266]

hell yea I'll buy it !!!

[@cameronc6114]

Would you rather play GTA6 on a PS5 Pro, or an Xbox Series Handheld?

[@Cyber_God-rh4ec]

Well a Xbox handheld would really nice because it would make some people be able to play that are away from their Xbox console more easier. Its crazy how like 20 years ago or less they only had the original Xbox and now they have a Xbox handheld and a new console, man so many years have just flew by with the snap of a finger.

[@jonathanjohnson9209]

It makes sense

[@bittyboogaming1653]

Outdated doesn't mean it's not in the works lol. He didn't deny it. He simply said the plans everyone saw was outdated and not updated

[@herohunter81]

The Steam Deck is a portable Xbox at this point. You even get access to Sony games too. The OLED version is so much better than the original it’s crazy it’s the same price. Go Steam!

[@masterk5066]

That’s why they discontinued the original, they’re on sale right now btw they tryna clear out their backstock

[@MoeFokah]

Love my sd, but I'm so IN.

[@anddo24]

DOA unless it supports Steam, EGS etc... Microsoft needs make a handheld friendly version of Windows first and foremost. The Microsoft handheld can't be just Game Pass and MS first party games.

[@zartancobra-bs5lk]

Valve Steam Deck Oled 2 will be superd

[@JRX6KEN]

Hopefully Microsoft realize no one cares about playing cloud gaming with input lag a dedicated handheld that run Windows OS and Xbox OS at the same time would be great

[@sly2792004]

Never. Having both os would open Xbox os to hacking via windows side .

[@Wingedlight-nn4hl]

Ever since the Switch took off and is on track to dethrone the PS2 as the bestselling console every company wants a slice of that pie. There is a rumor that this handheld console will launch the same day as the next gen at home Xbox which Microsoft is teasing to be a massive technical leap when compared to the Xbox Series X.

[@realnerdzonly3270]

My phone is more console than my pc sadly

[@dusermiginte4647]

The tech advancement moves so damn quickly now.. 😅

[@masterofIich]

The next Switch is rumored to be priced around 400-450$. How expensive would a Xbox Handheld be???

[@sebastiancastellanos3575]

299

[@masterofIich]

@@sebastiancastellanos3575 how

[@youngg2323]

cool

[@user-ot8eb6sw2y]

It just makes so many many many sence just like other handheld gaming systems out there. Perfectly makes sence 🤦🤦

[@real_Pinoy]

Microsoft can hire the best Engineers to develop Xbox Series Go Portable & Dock

[@xmatt214]

people really sleep on the backbone and xbox remote play on it. quick resume on the backbone is elite

[@come494]

Ps5 should of seen what happen to the wii u. Playstation portal was dead on arrival, wii u taught us that

[@Visionoflegacy]

It's incredible how commercially successful the PS Portal has been in contrast to how it's been covered by game's media. People are loving it as it is, but it's never gotten a positive mention in these shows.

[@toohurt6]

For a niche device it is selling well, they keep trying to compare its sales to the console which doesn’t make sense.

[@rubend824]

first they need games people actually wanna play

[@HolloVVpoint]

Need a mobile windows focused on gaming before a handheld Xbox. There’s no reason why Microsoft hasn’t done this until now.

[@alexha2884]

Handheld would be much more revolutionary in the gaming space pal

[@miguelroman4294]

Would definitely buy an Xbox Handheld!

[@RandomGuyComments]

Everyone forgets the PSP had its own watered down games not full ones. Killzone being the biggest example psp vs ps2 version. Vita did it better but still did it, smaller versions of games

[@jonathanjohnson9209]

Portable game systems will take over homey

[@AllThingsInfamous1]

Nobody will buy it but people are expecting one to be included with their gamepass subscription

[@rus.t]

Be interesting to see Xbox take on the Switch & Deck.

[@dead-channel6842]

Xbox and handheld market This could be the resurrection of the hand held market as sony isn't gonna take it seriously soon enough till it they see others shining

[@rcash3625]

PSP and vita didn’t catch on because devs needed to develop different games instead of ports

[@bearclaus2676]

MS can't even sell their home consoles, and they want to compete with the Steamdeck and Switch? 😂

[@Cyborg1011]

I’m content playing ps5 remotely on my phone/ tablet

[@sebastiancastellanos3575]

okay then wha on earth youre here on a xbox news video?

[@joandiaz2283]

Please Xbox make exclusive games & first party games to

[@chiraqburbs708]

Handhelds are now and they future the being able to play at home and go on road is perfect or headsets are more home products now

[@MZakishere]

That cursed!

[@jackykwan2580]

Time for microsoft to just merge PC and Xbox into one with this handheld so its more profitable. It just doesnt make sense to be xbox exclusive anymore because the studios they bought also releases for PC. Its different from ps where their studios only cater to consoles previously and mostly japanese. If thats the case it will be the best handheld because it has xbox, pc library and the option for MS to develop specific titles for this handheld which will beat out its competition.

[@sebastiancastellanos3575]

nobody cares about pc

[@CannibalKen]

It's called your phone

[@zenklar]

They should call it Xbox Go (Go = On the go)

[@mbphilipblack8993]

That would be a great name. 😅 Rather than Gobox.

[@GoldChainGaming-ou9bq]

They should call it Xbox DOA, cause its dead on arrival ☠️

[@aCozyManatee]

Glad you clarified what the Go 🤣

[@TheBean87]

@@GoldChainGaming-ou9bqso salty.

[@FunkyDealer654]

So, like Pokèmon Go?

[@gfujigo]

Xbox handheld is a great idea!

[@renatolins4670]

If companies and players adopt all MS ideas, it will be the end of video games

[@lafasi4366]

We need xbox or ps consoles handheld

[@Game_Showz]

Perhaps that's why the Surface team is now involved with Xbox. They can make it work.

[@o0junglist0o93]

Sony is seriously regretting not making vita 2 about now 😂

[@redring4083]

Sony were right to leave the handheld market and focus on the home console market as they are dominant over there. The same thing goes for Nintendo. Nintendo left the home console market and focused on the handheld market as they are the ones who are dominant here.

[@spidersilva147]

It would just lose money just like this Xbox handheld will

[@TheBean87]

@@redring4083Nintendo is dominating both the handheld and console market.

[@Visionoflegacy]

Yeah. Having a cheaper-to-produce handheld that doesn't require them to make games for it that they haven't been able to keep in stock since they released it must be triggering alot of regret.

[@dusermiginte4647]

​@@redring4083nintendo allready were dominant in the handheld market once.. about 40 years ago.

[@josephcarr1482]

Love how the only talking about 1 of the 2 next gen 10 consoles nintendo is gonna do big thing idk what Sony is doing

[@SkyViews-hd6bw]

Xbox needs to get it together

[@gabrielsegura626]

Because, Money

[@TheCurrykiev]

But is it console quality? 😊

[@Great-Documentaries]

4:28: Sony's PSP couldn't compete with the DS and the VITA was so kicked in the teeth by the 3DS that Sony literally left the handheld business. Sony's track-record with handhelds is worse than Microsoft's with consoles. Much worse. He's a Sony fanboy for suggesting otherwise.