The Future of Handheld Gaming: Xbox, PlayStation, and the Rise of PC Portables

The gaming world is abuzz with rumors of a new Xbox handheld console, set to be revealed at the Xbox Games Showcase on June 9. But what does this mean for the handheld gaming scene, and how will it impact the market?

The Xbox handheld rumors are heating up

For years, Nintendo has dominated the handheld console market with the Switch, but the rise of PC portables like the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally is changing the game. These devices are not only portable but also offer a more PC-like gaming experience, making them an attractive option for gamers on-the-go.

The Steam Deck is leading the charge in PC portables

The PlayStation Portal, while an attempt to cut the cord, falls short in terms of features beyond streaming. Gamers deserve more, and Microsoft has the opportunity to create something truly innovative with their handheld console.

The PlayStation Portal is a step in the right direction, but it’s not enough

The bare minimum we’re asking for is a handheld that doesn’t require a Series X or S console. Ideally, we’d like to see a device that can run games natively, without relying on the cloud. The Razer Edge and Logitech G Cloud are already providing this functionality, so it’s not a pipe dream.

The Razer Edge is a great example of a handheld that gets it right

In other news, the Linux marketshare on Steam has seen a significant jump, with the Steam Deck contributing to this growth. The Steam Survey results for May 2024 show Linux at 2.32%, with SteamOS Holo accounting for around 45% of Linux gamers.

The Steam Survey results are in, and Linux is on the rise

The AMD CPU use among Linux gamers has also hit 75%, thanks in part to the custom AMD APU powering the Steam Deck. This is a significant shift, and one that could have a lasting impact on the gaming industry.

AMD CPU use is on the rise among Linux gamers

In the world of gaming, Days Gone is a highly rated open-world action-adventure game that’s now available on the Steam Deck. We’ve got a guide on how to optimize your settings for high FPS and performance on the handheld device.

Days Gone is now available on the Steam Deck

As we look to the future of handheld gaming, one thing is clear: the market is ripe for innovation and disruption. Will Microsoft’s new handheld console be the game-changer we’ve been waiting for? Only time will tell.

The future of handheld gaming is bright