Gaming Revolution: How Microsoft Plans to Merge Xbox and Windows on a Handheld Console

By whizzerlow Hardware
10 January 2025 no comments

From CES 2025, we have new insights into Microsoft’s strategy regarding Xbox and Windows, including the portable console market.

Discover Nvidia’s AI Companions coming to PUBG and inZOI

These past days at CES 2025, we’ve witnessed a lot of intersting things. The Las Vegas Computer Electronics Show brought plenty of news. Not just about AI, which is becoming increasingly central to the strategies of industry giants, but also in terms of technology.

And Microsoft also had something to say in both fields. Including a big announcement concerning the portable console market. A topic surrounded by rumors about a possible Xbox Portable, and now even a confirmation on the software side.

Find out more about the mysterious Xbox Handheld

Microsoft’s “Next Generation” VP on the Future of Portable Consoles

At CES 2025, the outlet The Verge had the chance to speak directly with Jason Ronald, the Vice President of Microsoft’s “Next Generation” division. He took on the role at the end of 2024 and has been previously involved with the Xbox Series X/S ecosystem.

Ronald discussed in-depth the potential of Windows Portable Consoles, which have seen a boom in recent years. The goal is to merge the Windows and Xbox worlds even in this new market segment. Confirming solutions are coming in 2025, continuing the “This Is an Xbox” motto  from the famous, and much-parodied, video in November 2024.

Xbox and Windows Handheld: The Challenges and SteamOS

Microsoft’s Gaming division clearly aims to bring the Xbox and Windows experience to all devices. This universal platform approach has been evident for years. But when it comes to PC handhelds, the biggest hurdle has always been the Windows experience.

Criticized heavily, Windows struggles in a portable console format. Issues include clunky controls, a lack of gaming-optimized UI, hidden settings, bloatware, and forced updates for unused applications. These factors that have been ironed out and mostly not present in SteamOS.

PC Handheld: Xbox and Windows’ 2025 Challenges

Despite Steam Deck’s lower power, many users prefer the SteamOS experience. The Bazzite distro, very similar to SteamOS, has been widely adopted and is expected to grow more popular as SteamOS becomes available to all in 2025. Compatibility with Linux is no longer an issue, thanks to Valve’s efforts with Proton and the support form the Linux community.

Xbox risks losing an increasingly growing market sector, especially amid rising dissatisfaction with Windows 11 and the end of Windows 10 support in October 2025. However, the Xbox gaming division seems to have a plan, likely tied to the mysterious Xbox Handheld we may see in 2025.

whizzerlow

A video game enthusiast ever since I first got my hands on a Game Boy. Over the years, I've played many different games across various genres, discovering hidden gems and niche titles along the way. I'm also passionate about technology, always up-to-date with the latest news and insight in the PC and Console market. Ready to share and bring you the latest news !

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