The handheld console market has gained significant popularity in recent years, primarily due to the huge success of the Nintendo Switch. For months, rumors have circulated that Xbox wants a piece of this market and is already working on a system for gaming on the go.

Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft Gaming, confirmed, to everyone’s surprise, that this project is real and that it’s only a matter of time before we see an Xbox handheld console. The executive revealed the first details of the project and, of course, touched on when it might arrive.

Spencer clarified that fans of the brand should be patient and manage their expectations, as the console is still in development and will take a while to launch.

Xbox to Bet on a Handheld Console in the Future

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It’s only a matter of time before we enjoy an Xbox handheld console

In a talk with Bloomberg (via Insider Gaming), Spencer confirmed that Xbox is interested in the handheld market and is already working on a console to enter it. Specifically, he stated that they are currently working on various prototypes of the system, which means there is still a long way to go before players can get their hands on it.

We know that the project is still far from completion, so the wait will be quite long. The hardware is expected to arrive in a few years. Previously, Xbox had shown interest in the portable devices market; however, it had not confirmed a project in this sector.

Unfortunately, Spencer did not share further details, so the Xbox handheld console remains a mystery. For months, there has been speculation about the hardware, so this confirmation is good news for everyone.

"The expectation is that we would do something. I love us building devices."

What Are the Rumors Saying About the Xbox Handheld?

According to various sources, the Xbox handheld console would arrive alongside their next home console, making it a major element of the upcoming generation. It’s also said that it won’t be a hybrid system like the Switch but would interact in various ways with the next Xbox.

Additionally, there’s speculation about whether the system will run games natively or be powered by cloud services like Xbox Game Pass. Both models currently exist on the market, so Microsoft could opt to combine them into a single concept.