The 2024 Xbox Games Showcase gave us a glimpse of the new version of the console, showcasing an all-digital Xbox SeriesX.
However, nothing was mentioned about the rumored portable Xbox, which many fans are eager to learn more about.
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On stage at IGN Live, Ryan McCaffrey asked Phil Spencer about the rumors that Xbox is working on a handheld. Spencer replied, "The future of our hardware is very exciting. The work that our team is doing is amazing. Today we focused on games, but we will have the opportunity to talk more about the platform and we can't wait to show you that."
When asked whether a hypothetical Xbox handheld would be a dedicated gaming platform that could play games locally (like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch ) or a cloud -based device , Spencer said: “I think the ability to play games locally is really important.”
Rumors of a possible portable Xbox console have been circulating for months, with many expecting an announcement at today's event. Those rumors were fueled by leaked Microsoft documents last fall that revealed plans for a portable Xbox device. However, Spencer later stated that those plans were now outdated.
Xbox has been hinting at new hardware in the near future, with Microsoft announcing a multi-year roadmap in February that includes a next-generation Xbox console. While neither Spencer nor any other high-ranking Xbox executive has confirmed its existence, Spencer did make some statements about what he would like from a portable Xbox in an interview with Polygon in March.
Spencer listed several features that would make a portable console “feel like an Xbox,” including access to all your games with associated save files. “What do we need to build to attract new players?” he said. “How do we make it easier for people to play at times they couldn’t play [in the past]?”
See also: COD: Black Ops 6 on Xbox Game Pass from Day One
Elsewhere in the interview, Spencer touched on the recent closure of Hi-Fi Rush developer Tango Gameworks. For all the actual announcements made at today's Xbox Showcase, check out our full roundup. And stay tuned for more exclusive details from our chat with Spencer on IGN Live.
Source: ign.com
