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

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

Discover Nvidia’s AI Companion coming to PUBG and inZOI

In the last few days at CES 2025, we witnessed many interesting things. The Las Vegas Computer Electronics Show brought a lot of news. Not only about AI, which is now becoming increasingly important in the strategies of industrial giants, but also in terms of technology.

And Microsoft also has something to say in both areas. Including major announcements regarding the portable console market. A topic surrounded by rumors about a possible Xbox Portable, and now even confirmation of the software side.

Find out more about the mysterious Xbox Handheld

Microsoft’s “Next Generation” Vice President of the Future of Portable Console

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

Ronald discusses in depth the potential of the Windows Portable Console, which has experienced a boom in recent years. The goal is to combine the worlds of Windows and Xbox even in this new market segment. A confirmed solution will arrive in 2025, continuing the “This Is Xbox” motto from the famous and much-parodied video in November 2024.

Xbox and Windows Handheld: Challenges and SteamOS

Microsoft’s Gaming division is clearly aiming to bring the Xbox and Windows experience to all devices. This universal platform approach has been proven for years. But when it comes to handheld PCs, the biggest obstacle is the Windows experience.

Heavily criticized, Windows struggled in the portable console format. Problems include clunky controls, lack of a gaming-optimized UI, hidden settings, bloatware, and forced updates for unused apps. These factors have been resolved and are largely absent from SteamOS.

Handheld PCs: Xbox and Windows Challenges 2025

Despite the 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 in popularity as SteamOS becomes available to everyone in 2025. Compatibility with Linux is no longer an issue, thanks to Valve’s efforts with Proton and support from the Linux community.

Xbox is at risk of losing out on a growing sector of the market, especially amidst growing dissatisfaction with Windows 11 and the end of Windows 10 support in October 2025. However, Xbox’s gaming division appears to have a plan, most likely related to the mysterious Xbox Handheld we may see in the future. 2025.

MORE RELEVANT ARTICLES