Microsoft’s plans for an Xbox handheld device have taken a hit, with reports suggesting it is “essentially canceled.” The Verge has confirmed that the company no longer intends to develop its own dedicated gaming console. Instead, the focus seems to be on collaborating with PC manufacturers like Asus to create next-gen consoles.
Xbox president Sarah Bond had previously mentioned the prospect of Microsoft creating new Xbox hardware, which would offer a “largest technical leap” in hardware generations. However, this bold claim was not accompanied by any specific details on how the company planned to achieve it or when the console would be released.
The news comes as Asus has announced its own Rog Ally handheld devices, which can play all types of games, including PlayStation PC titles. These systems are set to launch this holiday season but have yet to reveal pricing information.
It appears that Microsoft is instead focusing on partnering with third-party manufacturers like Asus to create next-gen consoles, rather than pursuing a dedicated Xbox handheld device. This shift in focus may indicate that the company’s plans for an Xbox handheld were never as concrete as they seemed.
Source: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-handheld-device-essentially-canceled-report/1100-6532402