5 things we want to see

Although the Xbox brand has a history of nearly 20 years, Microsoft has not yet produced an Xbox handheld game console. In fact, during that time, Sony witnessed the coming and going of three PlayStation handhelds, while Nintendo went through countless iterations of Game Boy and DS. Access to handheld devices will be difficult now-most mobile gamers play on phones and tablets, and Nintendo Switch firmly grasps the perspective of the console. Valve’s Steam Deck seems to make handheld gaming feasible.

In other words, Microsoft can make Xbox portable devices more attractive in a variety of ways, even enough to open up its own market. If Microsoft decides to launch the Xbox handheld, we want to know the following five things.

1. Access to every Xbox game

One of Sony’s obsession with handheld devices is making portable derivatives of large game series such as God of War. There is nothing inherently wrong with this idea-some of the derivative products themselves become classics-but occasionally there is a feeling that you get a poor-quality B-team product, smaller in scale, weaker in graphics, and/or one is not promoted A side story with the plot moving forward. This did not really happen in the 2020s, when Switch players can play “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” wherever they go.

Therefore, Xbox handhelds need to run most or all X/S series games. The lower resolution and Nvidia DLSS scaling may be of great help to this job, because there are not too many 4K textures on the smaller screen. At least some developers will have to produce low-resolution assets, but this may be an acceptable barrier to expanding the game audience.

Developers who cannot shrink the graphics can use Xbox Cloud Gaming for delivery, which is similar to the cloud technology used by Nintendo in games such as Control and Hitman 3. Xbox Cloud Gaming is currently limited to Game Pass Ultimate subscribers-Microsoft may retain this for economic reasons-but it is certainly better than nothing. Cloud technology can even allow handheld devices to play Xbox and PC games at the same time, as long as they share the same control scheme.

In any case, we all hope that the handheld device will get the same Game Pass version as the X/S series and have a powerful library. The trap that needs to be avoided is the PC Game Pass, which is not an ideal choice by comparison.

2. Touch screen, touch pad and motion control

The standard Xbox control layout is given. This means dual analog joysticks, one arrow key and four face buttons, as well as triggers and shoulder buttons.

Touch screens may not be necessary, but they are certainly predictable, because almost all other handheld devices have touch screens in the past decade. This will make navigation of the Xbox UI easier, especially when typing.

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At the same time, the touchpad will turn on mouse control for everything from Halo Wars to Call of Duty. In fact, this is why there are two trackpads on the Steam platform and a motion sensor that can be used to fine-tune the aim. If Microsoft also wants to challenge Steam by providing PC game support anytime, anywhere, it will be crucial to add these to the Xbox portable system.

Curiously, the Switch completely lacks native video streaming applications, although this seems to be an obvious way to increase the value of the console. The only choices are YouTube, Hulu and Funimation, which are the main gaps with Netflix, Disney Plus and HBO Max. Steam Deck should be in a better position, but only because it can open services on the web-it can have its own native application to improve playback and offline caching. No announcement has been made so far.

Xbox portable devices should have access to a full set of third-party streaming media applications, as well as access to Microsoft’s video stores and rentals. It can also have demos to support this, including support for Dolby Atmos and at least a 7-inch widescreen high-definition display. HDR (High Dynamic Range) will be welcome, although this may require a resolution of 1080p, which is higher than the 720p on the Switch’s built-in display.

4. A dock

Switch proved that although playing games on the go is great, when you are at home, it is best to put the system in the dock and play it on the TV. Even Steam Deck has an optional dock to match Nintendo’s home handheld hybrid settings. If the pricing is similar, this may eat into the sales of the S series, but Microsoft may not care as long as it makes money in some way.

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In the basic specifications, the Xbox docking station is expected to provide 4K upgrades and Gigabit Ethernet. Ideally, it also includes spare sound output and USB ports for connecting the controller and other peripherals. In theory, this could include cheaper storage space, although it would be unpleasant to pull the device out of the dock and suddenly lose a few games.

5. Excellent network choice-whether at home or away

Although Microsoft will almost certainly keep up with its competitors, it is worth reiterating that a good handheld computer should allow people to play together anytime, anywhere, with or without an Internet connection. At home, Xbox portable devices need to allow people to connect multiple controllers-on the go, a peer-to-peer network will be necessary. It keeps kids busy on road trips while adults can only play so much Monument Valley or chat with friends on their phones.

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Perhaps more interesting is how Microsoft can go further. For example, imagine if the company let an Xbox handheld computer connect to Series X/S as a controller. At least it will be a good backup, especially when the friend is over. If touch and trackpad input are supported, handheld devices can be the best control option.

Handheld devices will almost certainly provide a high-performance, all-in-one experience for Xbox Remote Play. Currently, Remote Play allows X/S series users to stream on iPhone, iPad and Android devices, but to get the full effect, they must connect a separate gamepad, usually with a stand or bracket. Dedicated handheld devices will simplify the technology.

Microsoft can imagine adding 4G and 5G cellular networks, although this will be tricky. 5G is a notorious battery drain, in any case, gamers still have to pay for a monthly data plan.

Is it really possible for Xbox portable game consoles to appear?

If it exists, it is small. As mentioned earlier, gamers already have many mobile options, and the Xbox handheld may be more expensive than the $350 Switch OLED. For those who have set up remote playback on their smartphones, the X/S series is also redundant.

To succeed, Microsoft may have to choose Valve or Nintendo’s mouthpiece and suffer hardware losses in order to attract people to the Game Pass ecosystem. The rewards may be huge, but the challenge of selling enough units to gain a (safe) foothold means it may not be worth the risk. Strange things have happened in the technology industry, so we will never say forever.