When the original Xbox was released, a lot of fans were wondering if Microsoft would ever enter the handheld market. The GameBoy Advance was a huge hit at the time and Sony was preparing to enter the space with the mega popular PSP after all, so many wondered when Xbox would fallow suite. They admitted as much, too, with a lot of research and development going into what many have dubbed the “X-boy” over time.
After twenty years and many technological advancements later, it seems Xbox will in fact be going portable in one way or another. In a recent report from Windows Central, they mention the Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x G1 Handheld Developer Kit, which is a handheld device similar to the Steam Deck or a more powerful Nintendo Switch for Android gamers. This could be a cheaper solution for Microsoft, but the outlet also mentions that they have been dabbling in their own hardware specifically to perform well with their Cloud Gaming service.
“We have been hearing for a while at Windows Central that Microsoft has been dabbling with Xbox handheld prototypes for some time now, although something like this Qualcomm platform may be the family of technologies Microsoft needs to really give it serious consideration.”
Windows Central
My Take
I would absolutely love an Xbox handheld device, but I would want it to be more in line with the Steam Deck than just a device that uses the Cloud service. There is clearly a market for portable gaming and if they wanted to make just a cloud device, I personally don’t think it would be worth it. Give us a dedicated handheld even if it is comparable in price to the Steam Deck. Cloud gaming can be an option but don’t make it the primary.
Would you want an Xbox handheld device? Would you want a cloud based or a local download option?
Let us know what your favorite perks have been in our Discord or Facebook group!
Source: Windows Central
Listen to Arsenal X: The Xbox Podcast
If you want to hear more about Xbox and the current slate of games, news, and more, you can catch Arsenal X: The Xbox Podcast Live on Twitch every Sunday night at 8:30PM Eastern / 5:30PM Pacific or on Podcast Services and YouTube Tuesday mornings at 7AM Eastern / 4AM Pacific. Thanks for listening!
Anchor | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google | Overcast | Pocket Casts
Leave a Reply