Xbox next gen handheld cancelled in favour of PC gaming claim sources
Microsoft's plans for a first party Xbox handheld have been cut short according to multiple sources, but new hardware is still on the table.
During the Xbox showcase last week, Microsoft revealed an Xbox handheld made in partnership with Asus, but it's been known for a while that this isn't the only portable device in development at the company.
Microsoft has discussed several times how it is working on prototypes for a handheld device, which is currently 'a few years out'. While it was never explicitly stated it was assumed this device was part of Xbox's plans for the next generation.
However, a recent report claimed Microsoft has 'sidelined' this handheld, to prioritise improvements to gaming performance on Windows 11. While this didn't rule out a first party Xbox handheld in the future, a new source now believes it has been scrapped entirely.
According to The Verge, Microsoft has 'essentially cancelled' its own Xbox handheld in order to focus on its 'new software platform' – presumably something that can be used on multiple devices, with rumours suggesting Microsoft will encourage other hardware manufacturers to make Xbox-branded consoles in the future.
This has prompted some conflict among insiders. Windows Central's Jez Corden has stuck by his original 'sidelined' claims in a post on X, writing: 'Many believe that it has been cancelled, but Microsoft still 'aspires' to do it from what I've heard.
'I think in reality it has been functionally cancelled, because what product 'on hold' has ever returned from the dead? We'll see.'
Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning.
You might be wondering what the difference is, but the ROG Xbox Ally doesn't actually run Xbox console games natively, only PC titles. Microsoft has an initiative called Xbox Play Anywhere, where you also get access to the PC version if you buy a game on Xbox, but this only applies to a select number of titles.
In other words, while the ROG Xbox Ally is often described as an 'Xbox handheld', it's essentially a portable PC with Xbox features.
In recent years, Microsoft has pivoted its vision for Xbox into a multi-platform entity led by its Game Pass subscription service. This has been emphasised in Xbox marketing, which largely downplay its own Xbox Series X/S consoles. More Trending
While these reports of a cancelled handheld might bring into question Xbox's plans for the next generation, Microsoft has publicly teased its next console on several occasions, with promises of the 'biggest technological leap ever in a generation' (thought to be a reference to AI).
If Microsoft does release another console, potentially in 2027, this new vision for Xbox as a service across multiple devices raises the question of whether it could be the company's last – especially if it underperforms like the Xbox Series X/S.
For now though, we'll have to see if the ROG Xbox Ally can surpass Valve's Steam Deck in the handheld PC arena when it launches later this year.
Although considering Vale's device has only sold around 4 million units worldwide, it's difficult to imagine the ROG Xbox Ally having a significant impact.
Email gamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter.
To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here.
For more stories like this, check our Gaming page.
MORE: Sony talks PS6 and next gen plans with hint at new portable console
MORE: Where to buy the Nintendo Switch 2 in the UK right now
MORE: The Witcher 3 rumour says new DLC is on the way but it's not a full expansion
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
North Wales Live
5 hours ago
- North Wales Live
Review: Meet the game controller with a focus on floral patterns and funky lights
We live in a world where tech doesn't just have to be brilliant, it also needs to look good. Game controllers are just one of the things that need to look good as well as do the job for the gamer. GameSir is a specialist in controllers for PC, Android, Xbox and Switch devices and has released a wide array of products in this marketplace. Its latest is the T7 Pro Floral Wired Controller for the Xbox which has a very obvious standout pattern that makes it really eye-catching. I'll be honest on two fronts, flowery games controllers and a wired device would not normally be my go-to choice, but there is a lot to like here. Let's look at the visuals first, the design is funky and coats the front with a subtle light blue, turquoise design that actually really does look very smart. The semi-transparent casing of the controller looks superb with the RGB lighting included providing a stunning effect. In short, it looks absolutely brilliant, it's a crafted piece of kit that is designed to impress. GameSir know what it is doing with these controllers too and this is packed with the best tech you need for a solid gaming experience. With Hall Effect Trigger systems giving the smoothest of experiences, gameplay is highly responsive and rewarding. Vibration comes from rumble motors in the grips and triggers. The Nexus app is the place to go for customising buttons and changing the responsiveness. It adds to the mix and gives control for gamers to enjoy the controller to suit their needs. As I say, I'm not a fan of wired controllers, mainly because I'm used to wireless devices these days, but after a while I didn't mind. It's a really good responsive experience. I like the GameSir range and have had a good experience with its controllers, and the fact that this also looks so sharp is a bonus. What users say Jennifer Young: "The GameSir T7 Pro Floral takes the original and adds 2 back buttons and some 2-step trigger stops, and on the whole, it does feel a lot better quality build than the T7. The Floral design gave me the impression it would be a little flimsier, but it's a sturdy piece of kit." Scott Webster: "The most obvious update here is aesthetic: a floral-patterned matte shell paired with a semi-transparent finish and dynamic RGB lighting. It's the kind of controller that looks just as at home in a curated setup as it does in the heat of battle. But underneath that glow is a full-featured wired controller built for responsive, accurate play." Alternatives
Wales Online
5 hours ago
- Wales Online
Review: Meet the game controller with a focus on floral patterns and funky lights
Review: Meet the game controller with a focus on floral patterns and funky lights GameSir have released perhaps their boldest creationr to date - the T7 Pro Floral Wired Controller T7 Pro Floral Wired Controller We live in a world where tech doesn't just have to be brilliant, it also needs to look good. Game controllers are just one of the things that need to look good as well as do the job for the gamer. GameSir is a specialist in controllers for PC, Android, Xbox and Switch devices and has released a wide array of products in this marketplace. Its latest is the T7 Pro Floral Wired Controller for the Xbox which has a very obvious standout pattern that makes it really eye-catching. I'll be honest on two fronts, flowery games controllers and a wired device would not normally be my go-to choice, but there is a lot to like here. Let's look at the visuals first, the design is funky and coats the front with a subtle light blue, turquoise design that actually really does look very smart. The semi-transparent casing of the controller looks superb with the RGB lighting included providing a stunning effect. In short, it looks absolutely brilliant, it's a crafted piece of kit that is designed to impress. GameSir know what it is doing with these controllers too and this is packed with the best tech you need for a solid gaming experience. With Hall Effect Trigger systems giving the smoothest of experiences, gameplay is highly responsive and rewarding. Vibration comes from rumble motors in the grips and triggers. The Nexus app is the place to go for customising buttons and changing the responsiveness. It adds to the mix and gives control for gamers to enjoy the controller to suit their needs. As I say, I'm not a fan of wired controllers, mainly because I'm used to wireless devices these days, but after a while I didn't mind. It's a really good responsive experience. I like the GameSir range and have had a good experience with its controllers, and the fact that this also looks so sharp is a bonus. The GameSir T7 Pro Floral Wired Controller for Xbox is available for £49.99 via the GameSir website. What users say Jennifer Young: "The GameSir T7 Pro Floral takes the original and adds 2 back buttons and some 2-step trigger stops, and on the whole, it does feel a lot better quality build than the T7. The Floral design gave me the impression it would be a little flimsier, but it's a sturdy piece of kit." Scott Webster: "The most obvious update here is aesthetic: a floral-patterned matte shell paired with a semi-transparent finish and dynamic RGB lighting. It's the kind of controller that looks just as at home in a curated setup as it does in the heat of battle. But underneath that glow is a full-featured wired controller built for responsive, accurate play." Alternatives Article continues below Razer Wolverine V2 Power A Wired controller
Metro
10 hours ago
- Metro
We have to accept the Nintendo Switch 2 is not for hardcore gamers
A reader examines the pros and cons of the Nintendo Switch 2 launch and argues the 2025 line-up is perfect for casual gamers, even if other fans are disappointed. I think a lot of people are starting to realise that the Nintendo Switch 2 launch has been a bit of a let-down. Only one good game and no clue as to what is happening with most of the big franchises. Literally no clue, because how do you follow up the Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom or Super Smash Bros. Ultimate? The formula has already been perfected, so either you reinvent it again or… you do what Nintendo is doing with this year's line-up. I know some fans are holding out for a secret big Christmas game, but I would bet anything there's not going to be one. The games scheduled for this year may look minor and uninteresting to long-time Nintendo fans but I think the truth is they've been very carefully and cleverly chosen. Hardcore fans might be upset at the Switch 2 at the moment, but Nintendo isn't, not with it being the fastest selling console ever, and ordinary people aren't going to be either. Whatever problems you and I might have with Mario Kart World (I'm assuming anyone reading this is at least a relatively hardcore gamer) ordinary people don't see a problem at all. I think that Nintendo might have learned a little to well from Sony and the PlayStation 5. What is the big take away for this generation, from Sony's point of view? That the less you do and say the more you get rewarded. Sony has no competition from Xbox now, so the PlayStation 5 is really the only console to buy. They don't have to do anything to earn people's support, except make less of a mess of things than Xbox, which is not difficult. Nintendo hasn't had any direct competition since the Switch started. If it wasn't for the Wii U you could say they've been untouchable since the Wii in 2006. Nintendo has a captive audience, that likes their stuff and most people are, for good reasons, very happy with how the Switch 1 turned out. So, I really don't see any eventuality where the Switch 2 isn't a massive success or, I should say, doesn't continue to be a massive success. The Switch 2 could probably go its whole generation just being the Mario Kart machine, which the Switch 1 pretty much did. Obviously, there will be other games, they've got Donkey Kong in just a few weeks, but Mario Kart and whatever Mario game they release to tie into the new movie next year is going to keep Nintendo execs in unicorn pâté for a long time to come. Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. What I'm saying, is that we need to calm down a bit with wild expectations and then getting upset because those, completely made-up, expectations don't come true. Nintendo's in no hurry with any of this. They don't want to cannibalise sales of the games they've got out this year, which include a Donkey Kong game (that seems close to being a 3D Mario), a Zelda game, a Pokémon game, a Kirby game, and a new Metroid Prime. The Zelda and Pokémon ones are spin-offs, that might not be that great, and I'm not sure anyone cares about Kirby, but on top of that you've got new content for Super Mario Party Jamboree and Kirby And The Forgotten Land this year. That really is all the big hitters, in some form or another, and while hardcore gamers can pick problems with all of them (even Metroid Prime 4, in the sense that it's still basically a Switch 1 game) that is not going to matter to casual gamers. Your average parent looking to see whether the Switch 2 is worth getting their kids for Christmas is going to see it has all these major franchises represented right from the start and they're going to think it's a worthwhile investment. They're not going to complain about the screen not being OLED or whether Game-Key Cards are a good idea, they're going to care that it has all the games their kids like and, despite what they've heard, none of them are £80. More Trending It may not seem that way to the likes of you and me, but I'm afraid to say the Nintendo Switch 2 launch was almost perfect, even if I'm not all that happy with it myself. By reader Gunther The reader's features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro. You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot. Just contact us at gamecentral@ or use our Submit Stuff page and you won't need to send an email. MORE: The 90s and 2000s were the best time for video game creativity – Reader's Feature MORE: I'm going to say it: Mario Kart World is not as good as it should be – Reader's Feature MORE: As a former Xbox 360 owner I don't understand Xbox today - Reader's Feature
