Xbox Could Be Dominating the Handheld Console Market with a Single Feature

Handheld gaming devices have carved a significant niche in the gaming industry over the years. Although a few models preceded it, Nintendo’s Game Boy revolutionized the scene by providing experiences akin to the NES on the move. Nintendo continued to lead with various Game Boy versions and set a new precedent in 2006 with the Nintendo DS. While PlayStation has dipped its toes in the handheld market, Xbox has remained on the sidelines—until now.

After a year of speculation, Phil Spencer recently confirmed to Bloomberg that Xbox is indeed working on its handheld device. Spencer mentioned it will be some years before it hits the market, but the anticipated Xbox handheld is expected to bring a unique feature to stand out from its rivals.

The handheld console market is as competitive as ever. The Nintendo Switch, which has been around for seven years, has sold over 140 million units across its various models. Despite being technically less advanced than the latest PlayStation and Xbox consoles, the Switch remains popular due to its portability, brand reputation, and family-friendly games.

In 2022, Valve entered the scene with their Steam Deck, hailed as one of the finest handhelds for its ability to handle demanding modern games with ease. By the time Xbox releases its handheld, the landscape might seem similar but with some new players. Nintendo’s successor for the Switch will be announced soon, and Valve is working on Steam Deck’s next generation too. The competition for Xbox’s forthcoming handheld is expected to remain tough, especially if PlayStation is also developing a new handheld model as reported by Bloomberg.

One element that could set the Xbox handheld apart is Xbox Game Pass. Xbox has been pushing the notion that it’s not just a console but encompasses any device with the Xbox app. Xbox Game Pass has become a key part of this strategy, allowing gamers to play via Xbox, PC, mobile, and other devices through Cloud streaming.

When officially unveiled, Xbox Game Pass is likely to be a crucial feature. It offers players immediate access to a vast game library without extra costs, which will be attractive at launch. This extensive library, featuring everything from AAA titles to indie games, will allow users to easily assess the handheld’s capabilities from the get-go.

Long-term, Xbox Game Pass ensures an evolving array of games to keep players engaged. While PlayStation might offer access to some PS Plus games, Xbox Game Pass could have the upper hand since PS Plus doesn’t typically release first-party games on day one. This advantage might grow with Xbox’s expanding first-party portfolio, including names like Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda, and Activision-Blizzard.