Xbox is clearly not done with hardware. Far from it even. According to several rumors, Microsoft’s gaming branch is indeed working on a portable console.
Xbox therefore seems to want its own Steam Deck to strengthen its ecosystem. In any case, this is what we have heard from people very familiar with the activities of the Microsoft subsidiary. And contrary to what one might think, it would not be a portable console centered on the Cloud like that of Logitech.
Xbox would be working on its own portable console
Back in February, we already heard rumors that the next Xbox Series 2 console would be inspired by the Nintendo Switch. However, it seems that the Microsoft gaming firm has two very separate projects when it comes to its hardware. Sarah Bond, President of Xbox, indeed let the group’s plans dangle during the last official podcast. “ We still have some exciting news to share during the holidays on the hardware side. We are also invested in the next generation roadmap. Our goal is to deliver the biggest technological leap ever seen “. This sets the tone, while the One and Series X/S did not have the success expected by Microsoft.
Among the American giant’s hardware plans, a portable console would also be in the works. In any case, this is what Jez Corden reported in a recent Xbox Two podcast. “ I know they are working on new portable console prototypes “. While the good old Nintendo Switch reigns supreme and still sells like hot cakes, such a strategy is not surprising in itself.
More the equivalent of a Steam Deck than a Logitech G Cloud
Xbox’s deep interest in Cloud Gaming is no secret. Many efforts have been made in this direction, thanks to the major support of Azure, owned by Microsoft. The firm thus has considerable leverage in the Cloud field. This is also one of the points of friction raised during the Activision Blizzard takeover series. However, contrary to what one might think, the portable console in preparation would not be centered on this so-called “future” technology like the Logitech G Cloud. In any case, this is what Jez Corden once again affirmed. “ No, it wouldn’t be a cloud-based console, but a native Xbox portable console “.
We would therefore have in our hands a double competitor of the Steam Deck. On the one hand, Microsoft could use the Windows-based operating system that we saw on the ROG Ally. On the other hand, this console should naturally serve to strengthen the Xbox ecosystem. It could therefore integrate Game Pass and be cross-platform with a Windows PC and Series X/S consoles. If all this seems particularly plausible, it is of course appropriate to wait for an official announcement to be sure. On this point, working on prototypes in no way guarantees their use. Perhaps we will learn more, as Sarah Bond indicated, during the next vacation.