Microsoft reportedly suspends development on Xbox handheld

Last year, a story broke Microsoft's Prototyping for Xbox handheld console This could compete with Valve's Steam Deck. But a new report shows that at least for now, Microsoft is throwing away ambitions for dedicated Xbox handhelds.

according to Windows CentralMicrosoft is taking its priority away from its Xbox handheld board to focus on improving gaming performance for Windows 11 on third-party handheld devices. The report notes that Microsoft still has the ambition to unleash its own handheld computers and is developing other technologies for that goal. But in the near future, this is not a priority.

For much of the past two decades, there have been rumors about Xbox handheld gaming consoles. Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Games, has confirmed There were Xbox handheld prototypes in the pastnone of them separate it from development.

Spencer admits Possibility of a new Xbox handheld It was not directly confirmed last year. He also suggests that any Xbox Handheld is still in “a few years”. Recently, Spencer proved How he plays Xbox games on Lenovo Legion Go. He also shared his belief that “the team can do some real innovative work on the Xbox handheld.”

There have been reports before Next-generation Xbox consoles can support handheld devicesperhaps with a switch similar to Nintendo. The latest report from Windows Central shows that development of the next Xbox console will not be affected by the decision to pause potential handhelds, which may question earlier reports.

Earlier this year, Xbox President Sarah Bond suggested Microsoft's next home console would offer “The biggest technological leap” in Xbox history. But for now, Microsoft has not disclosed any details about the system or when it will be released.