Xbox Handheld: How Can Microsoft Deliver High-Spec At A Reasonable Price?

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[@johni-db4xv]

since I bought my steamdeck I have purchased way, way, waaaaay more games than I was before with my desktop. basically all the games that work well on handheld are now worth buying to me because previously those games weren't enough to make me want to sit at my desk.

[@Shadow__133]

Why would anyone prefer to sit on their desk and not a chair?

[@red_noise_bomb]

I remember in one of the interviews in 2022 Valve said that the reason why identical Steam Deck variations apart from storage are priced so differently is because they were trying to make profit out of upper 2 models being 256Gb and 512Gb at the time. 64Gb model was selling at a loss, according to them. I would assume the same goes for their current line-up.

[@adamludwig7431]

I have wondered why Xbox hasn’t built an OS for the ROG Ally and the Legion. While they have apps, it isn’t native support. If they focused on handheld PC compatibility and OS/Device integration, they could expand Xbox reach without any hardware investment, and could do it now. As next gen handhelds come out, they could also build one of their own, up to market spec or above

[@jsullivan2112]

Remember Zune, Windows Mobile and Windows Phone? Yeah.

[@sumomaster5585]

@@jsullivan2112 different usecase cause here they got the advantage

[@jsullivan2112]

@@sumomaster5585 Based on what? What precedents have they set in that regard to show they have the advantage? "Different use case" doesn't mean they'll automatically win this time. They would have to start from scratch.

[@sumomaster5585]

@@jsullivan2112 Well they already have the devs onboard since all 99% of games are published on Windows, and OEMs will handle the hardware, so it's basically another windows device 🤷 Mobile wasn't the same, it was a paradigm shift and a totally new market which MS wasn't the leader in

[@jsullivan2112]

@@sumomaster5585 So you mean just put Windows on it as-is?

[@nonnygb]

Honestly I think it's amazing no-one mentions an eGPU dock. They could release a standard X console and a handheld S version which can use any dock... But then release an eGPU dock which brings the handheld up (close to) the standard X console power when docked. You just have to look at the ROG Ally X with an eGPU and it's not impossible to imagine it's possible.

[@kamilciura7953]

Pain in the arse to engineer, though and for developers even more. Windows based handhelds (and laptopa etc.) can do it because they use split memory pool. Even when they use iGPU, a certain part of memory is allocated to it while rest is to OS. This means that whole setup functions as "normal" one where both components do not have direct access to memory used by another. However, Xbox is built differently, especially Series S. This particular console have unified memory pool of 8GB accessibile by both GPU and CPU directly + 2GB of slower memory for OS (CPU). Games are coded with that in mind and that direct access to data on both ends is extremely important for efficiency. This is why you cannot just disable GPU on chip, connect external one and expect that setup to run games coded for console. There's not enough bandwidth in connection, external GPU solutions are always starved in this area, reducing performance. You would also need to have such GPU come with at least 16GB of RAM and allow CPU use it somehow the same way it uses unified memory pool in console.

[@cosmicgamingunlimited]

Series S games and X games actually have different download sizes. It would not work seemlessly without a ton of engineering.

[@kevikiru]

What about the price?! Who is going to buy an $800 hybrid console? There is quite a bit of wishful thinking here. Nevertheless, they cannot subsidize the console because they want to open up Xbox to other manufacturers and game stores

[@BlinxESP]

I am an avid Xbox fan, and for the past few years, I’ve been eager to get a handheld console. I almost bought a Steam Deck, but since I have a Game Pass subscription, I never felt comfortable making the purchase. I was also offered a Switch at a great deal, but I declined to avoid investing in new franchises and games, as Game Pass already provides me with more than enough content, helping me maintain a healthy balance of game time. However, if Microsoft decides to build a handheld console, I would be extremely excited. I love the Xbox ecosystem, including the PC app and my Xbox Series S. Having a handheld Xbox console would be the perfect companion for my business trips.

[@SteMcGovern]

You can get GamePass to work on Steam Deck, although it is a bit of a pain to do so.

[@t.fernbach602]

​@@SteMcGovernonly in some regions, tho. I spent like two hours setting things up just to see that cloud gaming is not supported in my region lol

[@7xig]

the xbox app had so much potential, i used so many versions of it and each update instead of fixing bugs and issues, they removed features. wild

[@SteMcGovern]

@@t.fernbach602 ah no way, fair enough then.

[@kamilciura7953]

There are many Windows 10 based handhelds that will satisfy your needs, then. ASUS ROG Ally is possibly the most well known one, but AYANEO also makes great ones, however they tend to go for higher prices.

[@blast_processing6577]

In recent years, handhelds were arguably popularized by Nintendo and to a lesser extent Valve. And I think the takeaway for Microsoft should not so much be about hardware power, but gameplay quality and variety. Having said that, a handheld with the power of a Series S would be appealing with the right game library.

[@extremepayne]

I think the difficulty is having new games come out that target the handheld system. Nintendo has that under lock and has for decades. Valve gets away with it in large part because Steam has the biggest back library ever-sure, some of the latest releases won’t play, but you’ve got lifetimes of content to explore still. I don’t think Xbox, who have famously struggled for compelling exclusives, could do the same, especially when they’re also trying to get top-of-the line games made for their home console offering that necessarily wouldn’t be able to play uncompromised on their handheld

[@desolation0]

Honestly I'm thinking a platform play. A gaming wrapper over Windows, all the internals and code to run X86 programs and DirectX natively instead of on the (admittedly very good) Proton translation layer in Linux. They seem to have hinted at opening up the set top Xbox console to the Steam store and other platforms already. Then toss streaming through Game Pass on top of the lot for any particularly heavy games. Everything that has come out for Windows, all the UWP wrapped games already sold through Microsoft. On the other hand they can go down the rapidly improving Windows on ARM route, get the performance efficiency, but open up the X86 library through emulation. It's not like they haven't made the attempt before, badly, but things have come a long way.

[@SENATORPAIN1]

Bad take

[@kevikiru]

You are contradicting yourself. 'It's not about power...' then 'handheld like Series S...' Those two are mutually exclusive. You cannot pack the power of Series S in a handheld!

[@blast_processing6577]

@@kevikiru lol No, I said "a handheld with the power of a Series S would be appealing _with_ _the_ _right_ _game_ _library."_ In other words, the quality and variety of games _do_ make or break a platform, but a platform with decent hardware _and_ a diverse library of high-quality games is going to be appealing in its own right.

[@konamiscode8727]

You make a handheld that's as powerful if not more powerful than a steamdeck given the technology bump in hardware and then sell it with a dock that significantly increases it's performance when docked like a modern next Gen console. Best of both worlds and you promote it as Xbox Anywhere. 👍🏾

[@bradleyokane]

1080p 60hz OLED screen, with a slot for the expansion card. That way you can locally install games to it and move it between your console and handheld 👍. If it's a cloud only handheld it won't sell as well in my opinion

[@Neilos-sd6ti]

720p is more than enough at that size, just give it 1080p support for hooking up to the tv.

[@Chasm9]

1080p but 90Hz VRR screen pls 🙏 even 900p would be fine

[@bradleyokane]

Yeah thats a good point 👍

[@Pyovali]

​@@Neilos-sd6ti I'd say 900p Less than 7 inches then 720p More than 7 inches but less than 10 then 900p More than 10 but less than 24 inches 1080p More than 24 but less than 30 1440p More than 30 4K

[@balaam_7087]

@@Pyovalithe way Phil struts around and overcompensates, I’d wager it’s a 5 incher *Wah wah waaaaaaaaaaah* 📣

[@xxnike0629xx]

I wouldn't be surprised if they go with a form factory that is similar to the Switch where you can play it docked and in handheld mode. While docked it could be like an external GPU and they can sell more powerful docks as the year progresses.

[@Jaap-Relou]

The same as they have with the Xbox. A console can be €400 or €499 because they can ship millions and therefore get a good price with their parts retailer. Without being able to ship millions that same console would be €700 or maybe even more expensive.

[@michaellong2439]

idk though the steam deck I imagine was largely the same exact thing and barely sold at a profit. yet that thing was just barely powerful enough and was also $400. I really just dont see xbox making a handheld without making it 4-500 which wouldnt make sense as the big boy console is 500 so I honestly have no idea

[@MajesOnTheXbox]

Compact size and screen should be the first thing they try and do. I dont want a unweildy handheld thst looks stupid to hold. The switch form factor or a little bigger is pretty golden.

[@timzwicker]

Isn't ARM performance/cost better than x86/64? That's how Nintendo Switch works. Microsoft has been leaning heavily into ARM for Windows laptops, and I think if they throw their weight behind ARM as a native gaming target on Xbox hardware they would be able to put together a lower cost ARM gaming device than all of the current Windows-capable handheld gaming portable devices. But are they ready to require yet another hardware profile for an Xbox release, and one that is so different?

[@JohnDoe-ef3wo]

This video was too dang short. I love hearing your opinions since you seem very unbiased and rational.

[@balaam_7087]

This is just a clip from the main channel. It’s actually from a DF direct, their long form podcast covering a whole bunch of topics in greater detail.

[@matthewelisha8797]

They would have to sell their handhelds at a loss and recoup their losses by selling more games from the Microsoft store or gaining more Xbox Game Pass subscribers.

[@JohnDoe-ef3wo]

That's a tough sell.

[@sumomaster5585]

i don't get why they have to do that? consumers buy iphones and all and xbox is where they draw the line?

[@PlacingRed]

I'm sure Microsoft will have at least 2 variations...1 lower spec/lower price 1 higher spec/higher price. I also think that the handheld will be another pc handheld with Windows OS just like all the others so that we can play pc games on it just like all the others, because why would Microsoft have their OS on all the 3rd party handhelds but not their own. Which leads me to believe that this handheld will be some kind of hybrid Xbox/PC handheld. The biggest wonder about this is if Microsoft has been paying attention to the handheld market. If they have then they will know what people like and don't like and about what price they should charge depending on specs. This is a chance for Microsoft to shake the modern handheld gaming market "Specifically the PC handheld market" by doing something big. Likely not only because they will not want to invest a ton of money into something they don't know will even succeed, and it will be hard to succeed in this field giving all the alternative competition. We will see!

[@KnightMD]

The next Xbox console will be a subsidized PC running their new Windows-for-gaming UI, where the difference will be that games have a INI file with preset graphical options to run at the targeted framerate and screen resolution. Windows will be way, way in the background that "Xbox" gamers won't even know they're running a PC. A handheld version of this UI will drive the handhelds. Multiplatform games won't need to release "xbox" versions, just a PC and a PS4 version, with the PC version having a preset that is on by default for Xbox users.

[@michahojwa8132]

no screen, no buttons, no battery, no ssd (but easy to install) - simple

[@talison461]

Their "next console" will be a subscription.

[@michahojwa8132]

@@talison461 No, it won't. Cloud services work badly in midst of economical crisis.

[@shadow12k]

They give you that temple device from black mirror

[@michahojwa8132]

@@shadow12k Just sell it as 2 devices - one is cpu+gpu+ram+mobo and empty ssd slot - that device would be then docked: 1. near tv or 2. with a handheld dock = with screen, battery, controls, turning the thing to handheld device. That way you can buy the dock part from any producer and the computing part would be very cheap (freezing specs for couple years like console, with ui like console but with windows or steamos beneath). And power unit would be generic, say power delivery 80W usbc charger.

[@sidsmusic991]

😂

[@chchris25]

I think Microsoft it’s going to release Windows 12 with handhelds in mind and incorporate Xbox as part of the gaming operating system.

[@adventurer6352]

I am not a fan of handhelds. I live in India and there is barely any service here so if anything goes wrong i just have to throw away my electronics and buy a new one unless it can be repaired locally or there is a service centre nearby. Handhelds have lots of problems, first is the battery, they can stop working anytime after 2 years. Second is the gamepad, they usually stop working after a year, my xbox controller has a problem with RB after using it for 2 years. Now i can buy a new controller but what will i do with a handheld. The games on consoles are too costly so i don't feel like investing more on a console. I will only use it for co op gaming. Now i am buying a gaming pc which will allow me to play games at 1080p 60+. If i buy Dragon Dogma 2, Titan quest 2, Gothic, Enshrouded and Palworld that will keep me entertened for the next 10 years. I am not a guy that upgrades hardware just because its old, I'll be happy if i can play future games at 720p 60.

[@eugkra33]

These days it might be possible to match the Series S on a $400 handheld. But the Xbox Series S is now 4 years old. Would have been impossible in 2020. They'd have to wait until half way through a generation to make it viable.

[@soulsbourne]

Strix Halo with 8 cores is a no brainer for STEAM DECK PR/2...

[@not.an.operator]

Two consoles on release again but the handheld takes the place of the Series S. Then we get "the most powerful console ever" and then a handheld next to it that runs the same games at 720p

[@bravedwarf]

Would buy both tbh if this was the case

[@telostia]

The best xbox i treasure is 360... We need something like this but handheld. It did everything right including the hype at launch. MS needs to bring back the hype by luring people with some prototype of the handheld and get people craze about it, maybe add in some 1year exclusive rights launch titles.

[@tipsy634]

will they do this though? it's going to split sales with their hardcore xbox console. it's also going to further increase their issues with making games compatible with lower range devices. basically, it's not a good idea unless they want to let go of the series X entirely.

[@mmpsp693]

Not sure if Gamepass can help MS to offset the cost, like Vale does with the Deck, so it is going to be a big challenge.

[@af4396]

If Microsoft does a handheld, I'd hope they don't think "it needs to be super powerful." Not only does price matter (see Steamdeck and Switch sales), but the experience matters the most. Last thing we need is another stupid expensive handheld like ALL of these "steam deck competitors" that developers don't target or optimize for, that run hot and eat battery for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and don't offer any Q.O.L features that make them feel like a dedicated gaming handheld with a dedicated light OS. Plus, the advantage of having a homogenous platform like the Steamdeck (as opposed to a bunch of manufactures just sh*tting out handhelds of all different types) is that developers can target that specific hardware and have a reason to, since the Steamdeck is so popular. Microsoft needs to make an EFFICIENT handheld, with a lighter layer of the Xbox OS, with a SOC that supports all of the modern features, but doesn't try to promise raw 60fps performance for current and next gen games. However, it NEEDS to have quality upscaling like DLSS, preferably on the hardware level. That's how they will achieve acceptable performance, but everything else needs to be used and targeted as well, including developers level optimization, VRS/VRR and an operating system that doesn't get in the way and isn't bloated.

[@hassosigbjoernson5738]

What you guys didn't mention: *Series S and X showed that two models with big differences in performance actually work great!* You can play modern games on both devices. When considering a mobile device does not aim at 1440p or even 1080p intern resolution but more like a 720p resolution (maybe upscaled to 1080p) and then add the fact that the same games running on Series S/X of course also run on much faster PCs at native 4K ... than the answer is: YES, games these days are scalable enough from Steam Deck over Series S - Series X to a high end PC. Very good scalable in fact ... Key here is the feature set: every device needs a capable CPU and some key rendering features. Even Steam Deck with RDNA2 has RT capability ... which enables compatibility even if the Deck is not utilizing it. So an XBox to Go with like 2.5x the performance of the "old" Steam Deck and a "prebuild" PC with "XBox UI", probably 2x faster than Series X is very much likely - and could potentially play the same games with the same feature set - but of course aiming at very different resolutions, FSR levels and RT settings. And for the financial side: XBox does NOT have to make any money with their hardware anymore - same with Valve! These two companies own their money thru software. Of course it's good to not loose money ... but a XBox to go for 500 bucks and a much faster Series X2/ prebuild PC with XBox UI for 600 bucks - and maybe some discount with Game Pass ... could be very interesting. Not forgetting that Sony also wants high prices for their hardware. Even after 4 years PS5 is not really "cheap" (like for 199 €) either. It's still at 449 € most of the time.

[@sumomaster5585]

Xbox ABK deal costed them 70B + all the ABK team is now on xbox payroll, GP alone won't pay for that. They should just ditch the whole cheap console thing and just offer a really good machine for 1000K, and take it from there for those who want high end with no xbox live BS + the portable who want the console thing.

[@liamhunter]

Xbox need to have a good pc app, a console that they keep upgrading and a really good portable device where all your games are synced

[@af4396]

Since I personally feel developers these days, aside from a rare few, can't make good AAA blockbuster games ANYWHERE close to Half Life or ME 1/2/3 or even Crysis/FarCry 1/2/3, I've been interested in a lot more platformers and classics like this new DOOM 1 and 2 remaster. Those lend themselves really well to handhelds. Now the question is, will a potential Steambox or Steamdeck 2 be the better choice over an Xbox handheld? I have many games on both platforms, so it'll come down to the devilish details. Should be interesting!

[@hiawa23]

The SS should have been a handheld

[@Aliens_Project]

Truly❤...i need nothing more from MS then my best Gaming-Years back: OG XBox & Xbox 360-Times where the best since SEGA left the Console-Floor...BRING IT BACK NOW🎉

[@HebrewGamer100]

Nintendo making their competitors chase after them again.

[@hassosigbjoernson5738]

They don't. All over the world the biggest winner is mobile gaming via smartphone. So Nintendos competitors are not Sony or XBox anymore. The target group plays on smartphones.

[@HebrewGamer100]

@@hassosigbjoernson5738 mobile gaming and handheld console gaming will co-exist but i don't one overtaking the other.

[@mugendragon100]

@@hassosigbjoernson5738not really it’s still Sony and Microsoft people that play on smart phones look to play like free to play games not a full price game

[@telostia]

And hopefully leaving them in the dust again 😄. It's a marathon race.

[@ScottJPowers]

Microsoft is a software company, so a third party would be involved in making the handheld but they'd want to make a profit from the handheld. They'd also not really care as much about making a quality gaming handheld that is affordable. They'd just throw something together that meets the specs microsoft asks for and call it a day, even if it came to $800 per unit.

[@ckhound1]

Series S right now is killing it lol. You cant even find one due to College Football 25 and that being the cheap way into that.

[@jarde1989]

Ehh I love Xbox but I have my doubts CF isn’t pushing more than 1M Xbox’s MAX

[@RandomGamingMoments925]

It's a pretty decent choice if you're only into sports games or casual games. It's when you want to play heavy AAAs that the Series S falls apart.

[@ps5blows317]

​@@RandomGamingMoments925sounds like you don't have a series s. Did you know the series s has a faster CPU than PS5?

[@iamyourfather4270]

​@@ps5blows317 You're just coping because you're too poor to afford a PS5 or Xbox Series X lol

[@ps5blows317]

@@iamyourfather4270 yah, the series s having a faster CPU than PS5 is me coping.

[@cactusmanbwl1990]

The issue with comparing it to the $400 steamdeck is that 64gb of storage is unacceptable these days in a mass market console. (As much as people won't agree, the steamdeck is not a mass market item) Xbox's handheld will at minimum need to be 500gb. What I would like to see these companies do, (even though they never will), is sell a version with zero storage. Let me add it myself.

[@marky3609]

I feel like they'll make it a Series X in terms out power and performance and just make it hand held. By the time this thing comes out they'll probably be able to produce Series X hardware for much much cheaper and stick in a hand held form factor and then they'll make a even more powerful next-gen box that'll be the main console and the hand held will replace the S sku as the cheaper entry level unit but it'll have the power and performance of a Series X which in hand held terms will be very good

[@bivens3ify]

I wonder if the next gen xbox console would be that actually handled. Instead of a simple dock what if their dock would be and external high power GPU that the handheld would sit in.

[@sferris33]

I would be highly interested in a Xbox handheld that can compliment my Steam Deck!

[@CassidyListon]

If the prices of the SKUS go up across the board, then anything is possible.

[@Uniteddave]

Do you think they could be doing a switch on roids? Capable handheld and then when paired with a dock, you get your powerful console?

[@tygur23]

Their going to make a portable monster theyve been working on the operating system for over a year for it they already the Surface division which can easily build a handheld console

[@mohdx77]

1:40 this dude doesn't know that the series S sold way more than the series X ??

[@t.fernbach602]

I'd be all over that (for a reasonable price, of course). A handheld Gamepass machine? Hell yea.

[@lincolndethomasis6602]

It would make more sense to put Windows on it and add it to the surface lineup

[@Elysiumlost]

I don’t think it needs to be cheap. A high powered gamepass machine is a compelling offer, and they like Steam, can subsidize the cost a bit

[@clementleroux8754]

Just have one sku. A handheld with a usb5 e gpu support. This should run a modified version of windows to install the same pc games but with a better UI.

[@TatankaTaylor]

*Anyone asking for a "CHEAP high-tech handheld" are probably 12 year olds taking a break from Fortnite* What the Xbox division doesn't need right now is another MONEY PIT.

[@michaellong2439]

it just would be really REALLY strange to have xboxs lineup be: $400 series s, $500 series x, and then another $500 handheld thats much less powerful then both?

[@jsullivan2112]

The irony is they tried to do something different by making the XBox One a living room set top box and it pissed everyone off. Don't get me wrong, it was right to backfire because it pushed gaming to the backseat.

[@mareo187]

Microsoft in the past stated the reason why they didn't made a handheld they knew who was going to be the Victor at the end nods Nintendo. But since steam deck finally it in production in which the documents of the device was leaked in 2019, MS was easily thrilled about it because they always wanted a pc gaming device that be powered by windows os

[@fresco_dinero5155]

How they will do it? Partnering with 3rd party hardware manufacturers (ASUS and Lenovo) and subsidizing the hardware with the software side of things and stores

[@Logeekistics]

Microsft should make a nuc as their 'console' which is a pc. Consoles are powerful enough to be pcs and not just dedicated gaming machines to cut costs. So thier games are played on pcs here and with controllers in a nice portable small form factor. As for the hand held they can sell it at a loss becuase its part of the xbox family, and will make up the cost with sales of games and subscription. May be they can go for a streaming hand held like the ps, but thats just an expensive accessory. Microsoft needs to add more value to their products and they can do that by synergizing what they have, and add new features as well for a microsoft nuc for example. Maybe college programs for photo editing, streaming services, and may be even a easy to set up bit coin miner in the nuc. So i would say nuc for the future of consoles, and handhelds sold at a loss. And the benefit of nuc as consoles will remain that it is atandard hardware that devs wil be familar with to make their game for and can fine tune it to specific hardware with dynamic resolution for best performance conpared to devs for pc and having to fine tune their games to all kimds of scenarios and errors from certain hardware configurations auch as not enough vram.

[@Draw2quit]

I don't care if it's low cost. They need to make a device that's great first, cheap second. It's bad enough that we miss out on releases because of the limitations of series s, without having another ball and chain to think about. Minimum spec should be series s equivalent.

[@wuliang1728]

I am interested on a OS handheld that could play game and watch movie with HDCP passthrough when connecting directly to dumb projector. Also it could run the latest version of GNU/Linux on USB SSD. Spec : CPU : Z1 Extreme with HDCP enable RAM : 32 GB LPDDR5-6400 Screen : 1280x720@60Hz with VRR, OLED, touchscreen, 7-inch Storage : 512 GB SSD removable Port : 1 USB Type-C 4.0 + 1 USB Type-C 3.1 Gen 2 Control : Like a Xbox Series gamepad cut in the middle to insert screen, but with Hall Effect joysticks + gyro/motion Battery : 60 Wh Speaker : Front facing Wireless : WiFi 6E + Bluetooth 5.2 Additional feature : Work on external GPU OS : Windows Entertainment and Work as a VM Price : 800$

[@soulsbourne]

Simple answer... RESOLUTION... 4k 60 is 17-18 times the pixels per second compared to 4k ... You can use the additional shared resources for ray tracing and better effects.. also bandwidth is a huge cost but usually the.first bottleneck hit in shared Cpu-GPU architectures...but is cheaper to implement So having the bandwidth to support mu h higher resolutions and effects

[@jsullivan2112]

The battery will last exactly 42 minutes before it dies lol.

[@opathoris]

The traditional console model isn't working for MSFT or Sony anymore. On the AMD earnings call they announced that custom designs (like the ones for the PS5 and the Xbox) are selling below expectations.

[@Crovon1]

They can’t, simple. If they under spec it compared to what is already available it’ll be DOA

[@RandomGamingMoments925]

I'm still not sure what the appeal of this system will be. People are quick to call the Pro redundant, but why would you buy a handheld that is confined to the Xbox ecosystem when all Xbox games are basically PC games, which the Steam Deck already offers. Unless of course, they throw in an optimised version of Windows with better specs and pricing relative to the Steam Deck 2 or whatever it'll be, then it could be dope.

[@mrtuber3491]

Most people are playing older games for the Xbox 360 and Xbox one

[@mcfly8612]

Handheld = X Egpu = Box It's literally in the name! 😂

[@JonKildeus]

ARM is the answer. Nvidia SoC w/ ARM Blackhawk CPU cores would be superior in performance and battery life to any AMD x86 device while shaking things up and differentiating from everything else console/handheld on the market. Nintendo Switch 2 will be coming out w/ A78 ARM CPU cores and Nvidia Ampere w/ DLSS and be getting AAA games at least on par w/ PS4 quality. It is know Microsoft has agreed to bring CoD to Switch 2 and other first part titles. Microsoft can leverage Switch 2 game development to support an ARM-based handheld of their own. Microsoft has many possible solutions like ARM64EC to recompile x86 code to ARM in a less painful way. Now with Intel and x86 dying is the time for Microsoft to make a bottom-up disruption of x86 gaming w/ an ARM-based handheld.

[@Youraveragegamer_97]

I'm making my own xbox handheld the wii u method, buying a 7in hdmi monitor and mounting in to my xbox controller with a phone clip, I plan on later buying a powerbank and wireless hdmi so I have no restrictions in my house

[@kamilciura7953]

Pal, you can stream games from Xbox to your console. All you need is a phone/tablet and gamepad, no need for anything else 😂

[@Youraveragegamer_97]

@@kamilciura7953 no thanks I don't do game streaming, native only

[@Vizr.]

​@@kamilciura7953Latency and the fact that the Xbox doesn't always use our LAN. There is no option. And half the time you'll be using 4-8gb of data every 15mins. Many ISP still have monthly data limits.

[@WigWoo1]

What makes people think they’re going to make a handheld anyways?

[@potato9638]

Bill Spencer hinted at it when asked

[@WigWoo1]

@@potato9638 oh alright. I think with the switch and steam deck the market already has enough of these portable systems. I think Microsoft should just focus on optimizing their pc games to work best on the steam deck, ally and such

[@potato9638]

@@WigWoo1 agreed

[@detdeet]

I think all the switch clones are missing the point, without Nintendo's library there's really nothing you can offer that the Steam Deck doesn't already offer, you're not gonna supplant Nintendo by simply having a hybrid handheld of your own, it's software, not hardware, and sadly it seems that to this day nobody gets it amongst the big AAAs. The only ones that get away with having handheld consoles are Nintendo because they built a reputation for it and have multiple franchises from decades of handheld experience, the PC cloning of the hybrid concept was already done as well as it could be by Valve, anything Microsoft does is dead on arrival because it's lacks the Nintendo IPs and the interoperability of the Steam Deck

[@jasonseals9198]

They'll come out with a handheld with 5G and it will sell a lot if they market it

[@parthibanspace]

They probably need to wait until AMD comes up with a powerful and power efficient Zen5 + RDNA4 APU for the handheld and more importantly provide ample VRAM for the system unlike the Series S.

[@kas5563]

They will make a cost effective solution!!! Co-Pilot integrated

[@pixeljauntvr7774]

They'll do what they usually do. Buy out someone who is already doing it well enough. Something like RoG Ally. Rename it into something stupid like Xbox Series S mini. Run it into the ground then close them a year or two after.

[@ZTriggerGaming]

They have a tall order if they want people to choose them over Nintendo or Valve.

[@Oryon7]

I can wait for Microsoft (or Sony) to enter the market within the next 1-1.5 years. Why? JUST so I can see people (especially those who think Switch 2 will be underpower and obsolete when it launches) wrestle with the reality that; even with almost 2 years of advancements, we're STILL not going to get a handheld console that is significantly more powerful than whatever Nintendo launches in 2025, while being as power-efficient, as sleek, and as affordable. We MUST NOT take this difficult balancing act for granted! Barring some revolutionary tech, it's just NOT HAPPENING in such a tight timeframe. Hell, not just Sony/MS... this challenge goes out to ANY manufacturer on the face of the Earth!

[@RichiPuppi]

Probably the same people that thought steam deck would outsell Switch.

[@digiornopizza3469]

You done meatriding? The Deck makes the Switch look like a toy in both performance and build quality lmfao

[@Oryon7]

@@digiornopizza3469 You guys like owning yourselves, don't you? Steam Deck would be a laughingstock for generations to come if it WASN'T notably more powerful than hardware dating back to 2015. Was that surprising to you? What does that have to do with Switch 2, and handhelds launching within 1.5 yrs of its release?

[@digiornopizza3469]

@Oryon7 Prices will keep dropping as time goes on, and in your own words, it'll be "power-efficient, sleek, and affordable" for its price with next to no competition. Unlike Nintendo, which will never drop the price for the tablet with 2015 hardware inside.

[@Oryon7]

@@digiornopizza3469 Read my original post. I don't think you understand what my argument is

[@papa-deuce]

Give me a psp sized device with the power of an og big box and i will be insanely happy.

[@MarcoHernandez-nb5dc]

They cannnnnnnt! Case closed!

[@harknerd1775]

I don't care about the hardware as much as the OS. Are we thinking it will be a slimmed down Windows with a focus on gaming? Or will it be an XBox OS that strictly locks you into the XBox ecosystem? I find the idea of a Windows based handheld, made by XBox to be very compelling...

[@eddiecoker4808]

It still makes no sense to me. How can Xbox drop a handheld but they won’t promote their own console?

[@eddiecoker4808]

@@gothpunkboy89 exactlyyyy they’re not going to make specific games for it because they can’t even put out games for their main console. It’s all weird.

[@dusermiginte4647]

​@@eddiecoker4808They can and are..

[@oo--7714]

​@@eddiecoker4808what are you on about, they make games for their specific console. Like forza horizon 5. The only issue is it is all day and date on pc.

[@gamingedition5165]

You guys thick or what? Search world wide sales for both Xbox series x/s Vs ps5 lol. Ps5 sold 56.89 million compared to Xbox series x/s 28.30 million that's being halfway into generation. Xbox one sold about 60-65 million units for that generation so the Xbox series is not exactly doing worse compared to last gen in sales. Ps4 sold 117.16 million worldwide so same with playstation 5. You guys actually expect everyone to jump to the next gen at the same exact time at launch? Switch only sold so many because each user owns more than one they barely scrape 20 million active users with their 143.42 million units. While Xbox has something like 35+ million active Xbox game pass ultimate users that's only Xbox game pass ultimate not including any other tier or entire Xbox active user base :) With less unit sales to that of switch even if you add Xbox one and Xbox series together. It's not all about console sales only playstation and Nintendo care about that as they make profit from console sales since launch unlike Xbox which sells each at a huge loss even to this day. They focus on software sales.

[@eddiecoker4808]

@@oo--7714 what I’m saying is like when the PSP launched for PlayStation they had PSP only titles I don’t see Xbox doing that. I don’t see them making Xbox handheld games only, alongside the console games. When they’re literally pushing ADs saying you don’t need a console to play our games it’s just really confusing.

[@princepeachfuzz]

"hoela"? Rich will most definitely fumble in the presence of a latina baddie 💔

[@Justanobody8472]

I feel like the only person who actually loves their xbox:(

[@RandomGamingMoments925]

Don't worry, many out there love a company that frequently makes false promises and delivers poor games. You're not alone.

[@smokingbarrels7019]

Yeah pretty much, Xbox is washed up and new game exclusives are like a miracle at this point. Pathetic really.

[@oo--7714]

​@@RandomGamingMoments925what, forza horizon is fine, the rest though eh.

[@Justanobody8472]

@smokingbarrels7019 I used to think tes6 could save gaming, now I don't think gaming can save tes6.

[@androidplay5109]

Unfortunately, the technology is not there yet. It's "almost" there, but it's not there. The reason the switch was successful was Nintendo games. Their games do not need as much horse power, run on low FPS, and are designed from the ground up to work on handhelds. Steam Deck, ROG Ally, etc.. are great, they showed we are "close" to where many PC games "can" work on the go, but realistically, we are either playing "indies", 2D games or watered down, low preset, 30-40 FPS "full" games. I sold my Steam Deck, and returned to my gaming laptop.

[@iMichael123S]

I would assume the simplest answer to the question would be to make a Nintendo Switch and slap a Microsoft logo on it and sell it for $500 dollars.

[@cbrunhaver]

Subsidize it like the steam deck. Hope it’s hardware like the strix halo

[@richmoreno6479]

I’m not a fan of the Q and A segments in DF videos. I think some videos are interesting, but some the most part, they feel like fillers. I wish DF would go back to basics. I’m just ranting.

[@davee6916]

They dont. They're loosing money on every unit. But because of subscription and digital only people that buy them pay for it one way or another.

[@isikuu.tyrant]

the moment they announce this and mention "we'll be showing you the xbox handhelds newest feature, desktop mode." xbox won idc

[@AJJJ-co2vd]

So they aren't making a Xbox pro but they want us to stream and use a handheld?? What the heck is going on 😮‍💨

[@NINJA_INVESTORS]

They can't. Technology isnt ready yet

[@EhrenLoudermilk]

I do hope valve didnt sell the deck at a loss. I run windows and strictly pirate pc games due to drm and whatnot. Its just easier and more convenient

[@YerNewUncle]

How does anyone think an Xbox handheld is a good idea? Who does this actually appeal to? The dwindling Xbox crowed (of which I am a part)? The need for this is met by Steam Deck and Switch.

[@HensonKwong]

Get Sony to build it for them

[@JogBird]

handhels only work if you own the ecosystem, like nintendo or steam.. if you just buld the hardware you will never make money

[@ProtectusCZ]

Xbox has ecosystem even if you don't like it.

[@oo--7714]

@@gothpunkboy89it. Has more third party aaa games than Nintendo though

[@mikeuk666]

​@gothpunkboy89 you honestly this clueless? 😂

[@jarde1989]

90% of my Steam Deck usage isn’t in Steam it’s in GOG or Emulation so idk what you yapping about

[@suppaman19]

Huh? No way Xbox who struggles to sell console hardware decides to wade into handhelds where they'll sell even less. Pointless video and nothing based on anything imminent or clearly coming.

[@MrBeefTot187]

Yes

[@prestoneric6705]

How Can Microsoft Deliver High-Spec At A Reasonable Price? wait a year or two for the hardware to be cheaper. the battery life is going to be abysmal regardless

[@riflebeard]

ATM it’s all just speculation. Just have to wait to see what Microsoft unveils

[@GMMXX80]

They don't need too and they shouldn't. The competition in that space is growing more and more competitive. Plus, Xbox is everywhere so you can play Xbox games on a Steamdeck, and ASUS ROG, and Lenovos device. It's gonna be like Pong consoles before too long so, why does Xbox want to do that when the Windows Phone crashed and burned? Competition is gonna be worse in the handheld market than it is in the console market. My opinion, it's a useless endeavor. Bill Gates once said, when asked about doing hardware: "If you want to be the number one software company all you do is software." - Bill Gates. Bill Gates green lit Xbox because he thought he was going to lose the business side of the home to Sony. He thought that was going to be the PC of living room but it was a completely different clientele that wasn't who he was marketing Windows too, you don't run Windows through your TV. Xbox needs to accept they can't do hardware, they never really could, and get back to doing software and focus on software. Let those better at hardware deal with that. Even if Xbox bows out, consumers aren't "stuck with PlayStation". Nintendo is competition, they like the spotlight taken off of them and Sony getting all the attention. How many units did the PS4 sell? How many for the PS5? The Switch has sold over 120 million units..... So tell me, who was the real threat to Xbox? Was it Sony? Nope, but when Xbox folds Nintendo is an option for you who.... Well imagine that is the one Xbox is now chasing after building a handheld to compete with Nintendo again. Makes perfect sense huh? Now out from one to lose again to someone whose even better. And what were those models based on again? Oh! THE PS VITA that did everything right and the Seg Nomad. Nintendo tore pages from those two for the Switch. And then of course you have Valve. YES! believe it or not Valve is a competitor too! Taking sales from Xbox as well. The PC is a platform and Steam has made the PC is a little more of such setting a model. Steam is a platform that has competed with consoles for some time. Really think about it, consoles are compact PCs with strict guidelines and regulations. I'll say it again, these days, they're small PCs. They're constructed with off the shelf parts, not like it used to be so Steam is much the same. Valve just doesn't develop games like they used to do that fell by the wayside and Newell just sells games like Epic Games Store is trying to do, but Steam was first, they were the Nintendo of PC world and Epic Games isn't much of a Sega trying to shake things up, they're more of the NEC of that space. So yeah, terrible idea and Xbox will only be digging themselves into a deeper hole. Their best bet is to go the Sega route and try and own the software space

[@dontsweatme4588]

Are we ready for another round of proprietary memory cards ? I’m talking to YOU Sony

[@JustB3NJI]

I could not care less about this product. Once again Microsoft is trying to get in on someonne elses action like they don't have enough money already. And they will not deliver. It will fail.

[@TCrimson05t]

Well I already have a Logitech G cloud. I don't think it'll be difficult for them.

[@NextNate03]

It's a mainly a streaming device.

[@TCrimson05t]

@@NextNate03 yeah I have one.

[@originalbadboy32]

Basically what we are saying is that the next consoles are going to be over £1000. And that will be the end of that. Apart from Sony because their fanboys will pay it. If MS exits the hardware game then the same thing happens anyway.

[@JohnDoe-ef3wo]

There's already a ton of handheld devices out there, and most of them are just ok-ish. Some are high end, and some are very affordable. The market is too crowded, so I don't know how Microsoft would fit in, especially since most of the games they produce are total crap, and are already available on the existing competitor handhelds.???

[@168original7]

There are only some that are widely available in shops like best buy and curry’s, it isn’t crowded. The rest of them are just indegogo stuff no one will buy, emulator handhelds that most people haven’t heard of or will ever buy and the steam deck. Microsoft says it might be a handheld pc like the rog ally and legion go.

[@craigsampson3386]

@168original7 more importantly the market is too small/niche, the best seller is Steamdeck at like 4mil which is tiny and Xbox couldn't beat that.

[@168original7]

@@craigsampson3386 they could if they sold it in shops, steam deck is only sold on the steam storefront. We do not know how much the legion go or ally sold currently, the ally sold 450k back in June 2023. However Microsoft is most likely just moving there console market into becoming a software os for these OEMs.

[@rrwholloway]

Sure they can. Do I trust that they won’t lock it down, restrict what I can do with my device and add spyware by default to it? Hell no. Steam deck forever.

[@raven679-m3i]

xbox handheld will have series s apu with 16gb ram lddrp5

[@MadBrit26]

Xbox management seems keen to kill the Xbox brand via incompetence so I’m not expecting anything.