The Future of Xbox: Phil Spencer Hints at Handheld Gaming

The gaming world has been abuzz with rumors of a forthcoming Xbox handheld from Microsoft, and Phil Spencer’s latest comments have only added fuel to the fire. In a recent interview, Spencer expressed his enthusiasm for handheld gaming, stating, “I think we should have a handheld, too.” But what does this mean for the future of Xbox?

A Vague but Telling Statement

When asked about the rumored Xbox handheld, Spencer dodged confirmation, instead highlighting the work his team is doing around “different form factors” for Xbox. This deliberate vagueness has sparked speculation about what an Xbox handheld might look like. Would it be a cloud-based device or run games locally? Spencer’s emphasis on the importance of local gameplay suggests the latter.

A potential Xbox handheld design

A Pattern of Handheld Enthusiasm

This isn’t the first time Spencer has expressed his admiration for handheld gaming. In a February interview with The Verge, he mentioned his fondness for the Steam Deck and ROG, and even liked several handheld-related tweets. At GDC in March, Spencer discussed the limitations of Windows on handheld devices, saying, “The things that usually frustrate me are more Windows-based than device-based.” This suggests he’s looking for a more streamlined, Xbox-like experience on handheld devices.

Phil Spencer, Xbox Head

What Could an Xbox Handheld Look Like?

While Spencer’s statements don’t confirm an Xbox handheld, they do provide a glimpse into what such a device might entail. It’s possible that Microsoft is working on a handheld that runs games locally, with a bespoke UI to simplify the Windows experience. Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the gaming world is eagerly awaiting more information.

The future of handheld gaming