Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft’s gaming division, Xbox, has revealed in an interview that the company is exploring the possibility of entering the portable gaming console market. He confirmed that they are working on several prototypes to evaluate their potential, emphasizing their intent to thoroughly analyze the current market so they can determine the best course of action.
Prototypes in Development but No Immediate Plans
In his interview with Bloomberg, Phil Spencer expressed confidence in his team’s ability to create groundbreaking portable gaming solutions. However, he clarified that fans eager for an Xbox-branded handheld console will have to wait, as the development of such a device is still several years away. Meanwhile, the company will continue refining its existing offerings.
For now, Microsoft is concentrating on enhancing the Xbox app for existing portable consoles like the Steam Deck and ASUS Rog Ally, as well as smartphones. The company already has several titles available for these platforms and aims to expand its presence further in this market. This strategic focus allows Microsoft to adapt to the growing demand for portable gaming while preparing for their own product launch.
Potential New Acquisitions and Cross-Platform Games
Microsoft has also left the door open for further acquisitions of developers or gaming-related companies, even after its monumental acquisition of Activision-Blizzard. Additionally, Spencer has not ruled out the possibility of releasing exclusive titles, such as Halo, on competing platforms like PlayStation or Nintendo Switch.
In fact, the company already offers several games for all major consoles and now controls iconic franchises like Call of Duty following the Activision deal. This approach demonstrates Microsoft’s willingness to embrace broader collaboration within the gaming industry.
