330°

Phil Spencer 'Very Excited' About Xbox Handheld Plans For 2025

With ASUS seemingly teasing an Xbox handheld last week, there's been a lot of talk about the device in the days ever since, and Xbox boss Phil Spencer has also teased something to do with handhelds happening in 2025

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purexbox.com
neutralgamer199228d ago

I really hope this isn't a windows based device even though coming from MS that's highly unlikely. SteamDeck is much much easier to use and offers a much better user experience than any other handheld device because it's all based on steam app. The Xbox handheld should be based on that because a Windows device with a 7-8 inch screen makes it's difficult to navigate

darthv7228d ago

Coming from Asus... its going to be an Xbox branded ROG Ally.

neutralgamer199228d ago

That's fine but hopefully it will be a Xbox app based instead of windows

VenomUK28d ago (Edited 28d ago )

When the casual market learn that there’s going to be an Xbox branded Asus handheld they will cancel their Nintendo Switch 2 preorders and get the Asus. No it won’t have exclusive games like Super Mario or Zelda or Metroid or Pilot Wings or Mario Kart or Animal Crossing or Donkey Kong or Pokémon or Super Smash Bros - but who cares as it will have access to the entire library of the Steam Store running on Windows. It will also have access to Game Pass with all the modern day classics like Avowed, Hellblade II and Grounded and Pentiment.

I think we all have to acknowledge that after all the criticism of Switch 2 on ResetEra it’s evidence that it will fail to sell and the Asus will outsell it. Dreamcast pushed Sega out of hardware, we all have to accept that the perfect storm of Switch 2 pricing, an Xbox-branded Asus and Phil Spencer and Aaron Greenberg’s persuasive promotion will likely kill off Switch 2 within a month. AND YOU CAN QUOTE ME ON THAT.

FinalFantasyFanatic28d ago (Edited 28d ago )

@VenomUK,
I don't think that even has a remote chance of happening, Nintendo has so much brand loyalty, even with the backlash on their not so great pricing, I still think it's going to sell, Xbox doesn't have as much brand loyalty. Plus, if it's just Xbox branded ROG Ally or something similar, why not just choose a ROG ally or Steam Deck? They can both do everything that an Xbox branded handheld can. If Xbox is going to compete in the world of windows based handhelds, it has so much competition, it's going to struggle.

You're way too optimistic about the Xbox handheld and the demise of the Switch 2, I'm going to predict the opposite and say the Switch 2 will demolish the Xbox handheld in terms of sales/popularity.

S2Killinit27d ago

@VenomUK
Not sure if sarcasm or satire.

VenomUK27d ago

@S2Killinit Satire. I’m not going to hate on people for being excited for a new console. But what is happening in the Xbox community is something wicked, content creators are hyping up the Asus to their audience about how great this thing is, and how it will be more powerful than the Switch 2 and the Steam Store outweighs any advantage the Switch 2 has with its library of games. I don’t believe they believe it but they are grifting. By all means look forward to it but don’t sell it as a Switch 2 PS5 killer.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 27d ago
PanicMechanic28d ago

Steam Os is amazing. By far the best. Can’t imagine MS having an OS that can top it (CERTAINLY not windows)

crazyCoconuts28d ago

Well they're gonna try. They've already stated they've been working on it.

FinalFantasyFanatic28d ago

Windows as is, isn't a great experience for a handheld, they really need to make a dedicated handheld OS, unfortunately they've always been hellbent on making a single product for both PC/touch screen use.

I really can't imagine them making something that stands up to Steam OS, it just works so well.

RaidenBlack27d ago (Edited 27d ago )

This is not their in-house made Xbox handheld for next-gen, which is slated for release in 2027 alongside with the next Xbox console, which might run a version of their usual Xbox-ified OS optimized for the handheld.
This is just a brand collab to produce an Xbox branded updated Asus RoG Ally (Project Kennan), which as usual ships with Windows. Think of it as the 5th main competitor in handheld PC market, after Deck, Legion Go, Ally and MSi Claw (I know others exist, but these are the popular ones).
https://wccftech.com/xbox-h...
And RoG Ally didn't get an update this year like the Legion Go, so this Xbox-Asus one might be that?
Anyways, even with 2025 chip upgrade, the Legion Go underperforms compared to 2023 Ally and 2024 Ally X.

crazyCoconuts28d ago

It can't be anything but Windows if it has the Xbox brand on it. Outside of the politics (which would be a showstopper), SteamOS/Linux can't run GamePass natively due to the crazy protections implemented by the Windows Store.

neutralgamer199228d ago

I am not asking the Xbox handheld to run steam, I just wanted a dedicated Xbox app on the handheld that handles everything from playing games, downloading games, gamepass and most importantly all updates are done from that app. Just a better overall user experience

Having to download multiple different things on a Windows based device becomes really a chore in a smaller screen.

crazyCoconuts28d ago

Having the windows handheld auto launch the existing Xbox Windows app will accomplish everything you mentioned, and I'm sure that's what this will be.
Fact is that MS will need to add a lot into that app to incorporate all the system level controls Steam incorporated into their handheld UI.

OmegaSoldati28d ago

Steam Deck for the win! Switch too.

Profchaos27d ago (Edited 27d ago )

It'll be windows all leaks indicate this is a windows based device with a Xbox skin it will integrate other storefronts because at its core it's windows.

@venom there's is no chance that parents will be buying their kids a rog ally setting up steam and other storefronts over a Nintendo switch 2 at Christmas.

That's a mass amount of hopium there.

Portable PC's in total have barely cracked six million sold the switch 2 will continue to dominate the casual crowd all known about it and news of a switch successor has already started spreading in mainstream media

neutralgamer199227d ago

I think switch 2 will do well but dominate I think we need to wait and see. The prices of the console and games is much more than switch so don't expect parents in this inflation time to spend $600 on 2 games and a console. Since it's Nintendo it should sell but I think we are underpaying the importance of the inflated market

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 27d ago
anast28d ago

Every inch of this things is going to be a subservice.

Aloymetal28d ago

And an even bigger flop in the making, it's like they're just throwing crap at the wall and see what sticks or rather find another ''clever'' way to keep squeezing more money from the already miniscule and gullible fanbase. Smfh.

Reaper22_27d ago

Squeezing money. Isn't that what sony is doing with tbe ps5pro. And what about all those remakes and locking some ps4 games to a subscription.

ABizzel127d ago

At first I thought this was a huge mistake on MS part. But after thinking about this more and more, while I still don’t think it’s going to do anything beyond 10 - 20 million in sales, I think that’s exactly what MS and ASUS are expecting and both are okay with.

I assume this is more of Asus saying to MS, look we have ten/twenty million of these handheld PCs already in production and we’ve only been able to sell a couple millions, partner with us and let’s brand them as Xbox handhelds ASUS will do all the heavy lifting so we don’t take a loss on all these, and all MS has to do is market the platform and put your logo, the new Xbox OS/app you’ve been working on, and together we’ll helps each other out and push more GamePass subscriptions.

That make complete logical sense as to why this came about, because otherwise….. So technically it would be a win:win for both companies, or a win for MS and a reduction of loss of ASUS, even if they only sell 10m - 20m units.

As for the handheld itself honestly, it should be solid and most likely based on the Rog Ally 7, but hopefully with the Rog Ally X case as that has a much better port and I/O layout. Plus if the Xbox OS is wayyyyyyy lighter than Windows then it should be a a good piece of tech getting more performance than the Ally 7 Windows version for around $499.

But that’s where the next problem comes into play…..Price. It’s Switch 2 all over again. The slight different is outside of the potential of DLSS, this should be a slightly more powerful handheld, especially if they create their own dock, but that dock will likely be sold separately meaning now we’re looking at $550 or more, for what will essentially be a docked Xbox Series S and a slightly more powerful SteamDeck / Switch 2 in handheld mode.

peppeaccardo28d ago

The Irrelevant-Held will be able to connect to the XFLOP Series X

anast28d ago

ha! It might last longer than the Stadia.

Profchaos27d ago

Basically what windows os turning into now every few weeks logging on I'm greeted with a hey how about some office 365 or your gamepass lapsed how about renewing and decline is in little blue writing while subscribe is a huge button

anast27d ago

This and I also get a pop up to subscribe to Xbox GamePass.

PanicMechanic28d ago

So smart of you caveman Phil sphincter. Did you get the memo on what Nintendo is releasing this year?

Kyizen28d ago

I dont trust Microsoft to build an OS for this looking at the Windows phone so I think this will be just Windows with a Steam like Big Picture mode locked in the UI to launch games.

Rockstar28d ago

This is good advice from Reaper here. I trust your advice and you've got my word...I wont buy it.

Thanks Reaper!

YourMommySpoils28d ago

Then don't complain about facts.

PanicMechanic27d ago (Edited 27d ago )

So in other words, it’s just another ROG Ally. I think MS has a winner🤣🤣

FinalFantasyFanatic28d ago

I remember when my sister bought a Windows phone, that thing was missing so many basic features, she didn't even own the phone for 3 months before getting frustrated and swapping it out.

Profchaos27d ago

I'll be honest I had a older relative that loved the windows phone cause it had a huge dial, contacts and camera button that was all it got used for.

Oh and it was bright green so easy to find

Moral of the story one person's trash is another's treasure

Reaper22_27d ago

Windows phones weren't the best but I also remember sonys phones didn't fare too well either. As a matter of fact they're newest ones aren't doing so great either. Not even in Japan. That says alot.

Profchaos27d ago

@reaper22 honestly Shane about the Sony phones to I brought the Xperia 3 when they announced remote play for it and it was one of the best ones I have had the battery lasted a few days the camera was some obscene 50mp but the physical design lagged behind Samsung and I think that was a huge reason it failed

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60°

An interview with Shuhei Yoshida, former president of PlayStation (english version)

Hello and welcome to PlayStation Inside. This article features the interview with former SCE boss Shuhei Yoshida.

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playstationinside.fr
250°

Microsoft CEO Boasts Gaming Success Across Xbox, PlayStation, PC Game Pass, and More

Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella shared a bullish report on the performance of the Xbox gaming business also on PlayStation.

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simulationdaily.com
5d ago
Christopher5d ago

I'm kind of hoping they drop most hardware support here with a 'good enough console' next generation and focus more on being a publisher. Obviously that is doing well for them and they can still push cloud gaming since it's going to tons of smart TVS and devices. They're now the largest video game publisher in the world, if they aren't doing the most sales and pre-orders, then they would be in trouble. They aren't.

Lightning774d ago

They're gonna try again with a new gen console. If they want to compete they need to actually be competive. Say games like Halo, Blade Elder Scrolls or whatever big game it is. Needs to only be on Xbox and PC. If those games go multiplat it needs to be after a few years or at least a year later definitely not 6 months as a good portion of ppl will wait. Knowing MS they'll probably try and compete, then when things don't go there way they pivot and change the metrics again.

crazyCoconuts4d ago

I don't think you're reading the tea leaves here. Leadership hasn't used the word "exclusive" in quite a while, and they're now boasting about PS sales. They're probably done with consoles and exclusive at this point.

DodoDojo4d ago

I don't think they'll try. They have been beating a dead horse for so long now and they have finally realized it isn't going nowhere.

Fearmonkey4d ago

MS is going to drop being hardware exclusive, they are going publisher and subscription. You will be able to buy a Xbox, but you will be able to play on any platform, that's their new goal. After the hit with Oblivion remastered and major sales on PS5, no more Xbox/PC exclusives long term..

rlow14d ago

I think with the latest price hike on their console, they’re well on their way to axing hardware.

Christopher4d ago

Hardware axing entirely is bad news. They've sold most of their hardware on the Series S this generation. I think if they capture a lower hardware market that can still buy games (especially on sale), they'll actually hit a good market considering how the economy is going. Especially in the U.S. People are going to want to keep gaming and streaming isn't that good for online gaming at all.

Lightning774d ago

@crazy they've stated multiple times they're going another gen. The next gen Controller even got leaked.

Tired of repeating myself whenever it comes to this subject of Xbox having another gen.

IRetrouk4d ago

Xbox consoles are done, all we gonna get is some branded 3rd party shite at best, ms aint interested in being a console manufacturer no more, this much is obvious.

hiawa234d ago (Edited 4d ago )

Microsoft has too much money for that. They are rumored to release a PC/console hybrid in 2026. They will push all you hope as a publisher while having new hardware next year, so the games will appear on their platform and every other platform which is good to me if the goal is to sell software. If that is where the money is why would anyone fault MS for that? The prices are going to be insane for the next PlayStation and console from Microsoft, though, but it is what they voted for, so this is what we got.

Profchaos3d ago

I think they have to at this point I'm sure they are developing new hardware because they still have to team on payroll but it's absolutely a hail mary play.

They want to try and shift the console to be more like a PC so development costs are drastically reduced you don't need your trams to develop a Xbox version if the PC version will already run jon your console ust have it preconfigured with the graphical settings to make it seem less PC like and job done using uwp apps.

I can see it working for a few years but eventually there will be problems like with the series s as pc hardware typically ages out faster than console hardware I guess the jury's out on how it goes when your console is forced architecture will it still be a development target 5 years later will it slow PC hardware growth if games have to account for such weak hardware 7 years on

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 3d ago
Obscure_Observer4d ago

“We continue to transform the business and focus on margin expansion as we bring our games to over 500 million monthly active users across devices. We ended the quarter as the top publisher by pre-orders and pre-installs on both Xbox and PlayStation Store.”

Amazing news!

Xbox reigning within rival territory.

Big slap in the face of haters who used to crap on Xbox´s games and its quality.

IAMRealHooman4d ago

........you must be part owl, you keep 180ing, your position.

-Foxtrot4d ago

One minute he says that they will NEVER go third party

Now he's all for it like this was Microsofts grand master plan all along.

Obscure_Observer4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

@-Foxtrot

"One minute he says that they will NEVER go third party"

Fact.

"Now he's all for it like this was Microsofts grand master plan all along."

False.

Never said it was Microsoft´s master plan all along. But it is REALLY working for us, as the fact that you´ll be able to enjoy Xbox gamers isn´t killing us. Rather the contrary, we are happy that everybody is funding our games on Gamepass.

Specially now with the imminent new $80 price tag for Xbox first party games.

It is what it is.

IAMRealHooman3d ago

So xbox division can't afford to fund new xbox games on GP subscribers alone?
ooooh your in trouble imma tell papa phil and he's gonna take away your xbox card

IAMRealHooman4d ago

how about that massive price hike?

Relientk774d ago

He loves it. Now he gets to support the trillion dollar company even more by giving them more of his money.

Reaper22_4d ago

I agree.. great news for Microsoft and tbe xbox brand. Your Playstation is now a xbox. Microsoft wasn't kidding around when they said xbox will be everywhere. Now they are laughing all the way to the bank. Imo sony needs to do similar things. They're putting their biggest titles on PC. Might as well bring them over to other consoles too. They aren't making much on console sales.

IAMRealHooman4d ago

Of course MS wants PlayStation owners, their is literally twice as many of them.

andy854d ago

Theres been one game in the last few years that's been good. Indy. Long way to go before you start talking about their games and their quality

Bathyj4d ago

Xbox gamers really are the strangest demographic. Not so long ago you are all saying PlayStation isn't the competition Amazon is because Phil said so. You love to parrot what your corporate talking say. That wasn't actually true Xbox and PlayStation were in direct competition but because Xbox was losing so badly Phil had to act like they weren't.

Cut to present day and Xbox and PlayStation aren't competition because Xbox has no hardware presence it's zero. In fact Microsoft is now a third party publisher and they need PlayStation they don't need Xbox or Xbox gamers they need PlayStation gamers and PC gamers and mobile phone gamers and switch gamers.

You're here cheering for the fact you've become irrelevant because you think it's important that your uncle Phil is making money. You think PlayStation gamers are upset if Microsoft releases more good games in a year than sony does. when Microsoft makes a good game you shout take that playstation!

PlayStation gamers simply say thank you I will third party publisher that makes me games

Reaper22_4d ago (Edited 4d ago )

I think you're confused. Microsoft never saw Sony as their biggest competitor. They've reiterated it for years. Sony is doing the same thing by putting their biggest franchises on PC, which is OK with Microsoft. Their will be more playstaion games coming to Microsoft ecosystems. Maybe not to xbox consoles but playstation won't be the only place you can play their games. Kind of how it is now. I would bet that they are making plans to do just that but they probably fear the backlash from their fanbase which is silly because noone is gonna stop playing games just because it's on on another platform.

Obscure_Observer4d ago

"Cut to present day and Xbox and PlayStation aren't competition because Xbox has no hardware presence it's zero."

If that was remotely true you wouldn´t be so mad about Xbox gamers getting day one games on Gamepass that you have to pay full price for.

"PlayStation gamers simply say thank you I will third party publisher that makes me games"

And we´re thankful for Playstation gamers supporting Xbox games funding our day one games on Gamepass.

Like I said: Everybody wins.

gold_drake4d ago

i agree
my friend is also xbox everything, hes the same weird guy ha

gold_drake4d ago

propaganda again?

arent u tired of it yet?

+ Show (5) more repliesLast reply 3d ago
MrDead4d ago

We brought two of the biggest publishers in the world, cost thousands of people their livelihoods and consolidated a huge part of the industry, look how successful we are at gaming!

crazyCoconuts4d ago

Top Secret Strategy for How to Become the Biggest Publisher in the World:
1. Buy everybody

The3faces4d ago

And this has been standard business practice in every industry. Don't hate the player hate the game! lol

Reaper22_4d ago

Buy everybody....if you can.

Obscure_Observer4d ago

I have no doubt that the vast majority of developers and studios will be looking at Microsoft as far job security is a concern.

Microsoft will allow its studios to release their games to every single platform, which means more investment on new games, more money, more jobs positions, better payment, benefits and recognition among gamers worldwide.

You though MS would crash and burn

You want MS to leave gaming forever but GAMERS clearly wants otherwise.

You said MS doesn´t know how to make great games but Xbox games dominating sales on Playstation clearly says otherwise.

Now you also have Playstation gamers to blame for helping the rich to get richer.

I warned you. You were on a fool´s errand all the time.

Now all you can do is watch as MS and Xbox gaming grows bigger and better than ever and release games for everyone!

crazyCoconuts4d ago

At the end of this road, Bethesda, Activision, etc, will still be releasing games for everyone and Xbox consoles will be no more.

If that's what you claim to have foreseen, then congratulations, you win.

MrDead4d ago

You think three major publishers no longer competing and thousands fired to feed the piggies at MS is a good thing, I don't.

More and more owned by fewer and fewer is what you're cheering for, all that leads to is $80 first party games kid.

Luc204d ago

When you have to say that something was a success, it means it wasn't

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60°

HITMAN Signature Edition hits Switch 2 June 5 with Mario & Luigi–inspired outfits and full trilogy

HITMAN Signature Edition lands June 5 on Switch 2 with 100+ hours of content and Mario & Luigi–inspired pre-order bonuses.

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clouddosage.com
Neonridr10d ago

sucks that it's one of those game cards though. 61GB download required.

ZeekQuattro9d ago

Oh God, I can already see the Luigi Hitman memes returning.