Opinion

5 things the Xbox handheld needs to succeed

18.6.2024

Translation: Patrik Stainbrook

Microsoft is reportedly working on a portable Xbox. If they do everything right, it has what it takes to replace the Steam Deck as the handheld leader. Here’s my wish list.

«Like the Steam Deck, just with Windows.» You’ll see this sentence a lot as I list my wishes. That’s because even two years after launch, no one can hold a candle to Valve’s handheld. Some devices are faster, have higher resolutions or score points with nice gimmicks. But this is all irrelevant if the user experience is unsatisfactory.

In many cases, this is down to the biggest advantage over Steam Deck: Windows. The Steam Deck runs on Linux and isn’t compatible with all PC games. Almost all competing devices, on the other hand, use Windows. But Windows isn’t designed for handhelds, so any result is correspondingly janky. It’s why the Steam Deck continues to dominate the PC handheld market unchallenged. Microsoft could change that.

Instead of gimmicks like detachable controllers, I prefer a boring but reliable handheld.
Source: Philipp Rüegg

With every month that passes, the Xbox handheld seems to get closer. The rumour mill is buzzing. And Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft’s gaming division, never misses an opportunity to rave about handhelds. He let more spill in an interview with IGN in mid-June, when he said: «I also think we should have a handheld.» Since Spencer is pulling the strings, a portable Xbox is probably already in development. For it to be successful, it has to fulfil the following points.

An open system

It’s reasonable to assume that the Xbox handheld will be equipped with an operating system similar to that of the Xbox series consoles. Only optimised for portable devices with a small touch display. This’d give you access to all games from the Xbox and Game Pass library. Since most games are now multiplatform, you can get practically all medium and larger titles as well as a wide selection of indie games. Anyone who’s already at home in the Xbox universe and owns many games digitally will be delighted. Game Pass subscribers also get their money’s worth.

The Xbox operating system is based on Windows. Microsoft would only have to extend it so you can freely install software as with the PC version. For the Xbox handheld, this’d primarily be other game launchers such as Steam or Battle.net. I’d even argue that it’s essential for success. But this is the only way the device can stand out from the Steam Deck.

The Linux desktop opens up additional installation options on the Steam Deck. Windows could also add this to the Xbox handheld.
Source: Philipp Rüegg

You probably will be able to switch to desktop mode at the touch of a button to install all compatible programs, as with the Steam Deck. For the Steam Deck this is Linux software, while for the Xbox handheld these would be Windows programs. It’ll be vital to easily start games from other launchers using the Xbox user interface. Constantly switching back and forth between the two modes wouldn’t be a pleasant experience. Which also brings me to my next point.

Windows optimised for handhelds

A decisive factor in the Steam Deck’s success is its user interface. The device operates almost like a console. Its software is optimised for operation with controllers and touch input. Installing and playing games is just as easy as on a PS5 or Switch. If you still want to play around with FPS, refresh rates or TDP, you can easily do so via a dedicated button. That’s exactly how I imagine the user experience with the Xbox handheld.

The interface of the Xbox series consoles offers almost everything I could wish for. It’s clearly laid out and controls perfectly with the controller. It’s also possible that Microsoft will use the PC Xbox app as a template. This has already been adapted for handheld devices. But when I think how often the app causes problems, I hope it doesn’t serve as a springboard.

The Xbox PC app is now available in Compact Mode. As a handheld OS, however, it’s still a bit sparse.
Source: Philipp Rüegg

Furthermore, just like the Steam Deck, the system needs simple ways to change game settings. Be it to tweak the performance or to adjust controller assignments. Thanks to community profiles, the Steam Deck has another ace up its sleeve.

Touchpads are indispensable for several game genres

What I miss in almost all Steam Deck clones are touchpads. There are countless adventure games, role-playing games or strategy games that are practically unplayable with analogue sticks alone. If the Xbox handheld is actually going to be able to play PC games, it’ll need one or even better two touchpads.

For a serious PC gaming handheld, touchpads are a must.
Source: Philipp Rüegg

A docking station for your TV

Not essential, but it’d be obvious and undoubtedly great if there was a docking station for the Xbox handheld. It’ll quickly turn the device into a stationary Xbox to play on TV. The 2-in-1 concept has long since had a precedent in the Nintendo Switch. It’s also conceivable that a docking station would provide additional power, transforming the handheld into a fully fledged Xbox Series S/X.

Why not connect the Xbox handheld to a TV like the Steam Deck?
Source: Philipp Rüegg

Better quiet and stable than super fast

Microsoft has really messed up the current console generation. The Xbox Series S and X have sold just under half as many units as Sony’s PS5. However, the hardware isn’t to blame. Both the larger, more expensive Series X and the compact, slimmed-down Series S are great devices. And even beyond the gaming sector, Microsoft proves with the Surface series that it knows its way around hardware. It’s why I’m not too worried that a potential Xbox handheld won’t impress with its quality and features. But there are still stumbling blocks. The ergonomics have to be right. I still think the layout of the Steam Deck is the best. I’m also ok with offset analogue sticks like on the Lenovo Legion Go. But please don’t forget the additional buttons on the back!

In terms of features, an OLED display would be great, of course, but we’ll probably have to make do with an LCD for the time being. I consider a resolution higher than 1080p to be pointless. Unless Microsoft manages to implement its own AI upscaler so that games can still be calculated at a low resolution. Because even with its own chip, the Xbox handheld is unlikely to make any leaps in performance. I prefer a stable lower frame rate to a higher one that constantly fluctuates. Last but not least, the product has to be quiet. I’ve come across too many handhelds with impressive specifications that start to roar at the slightest effort, sounding like they want to take off.

Nothing is more annoying than when you want to play a game in front of the TV and the device is so loud that you can’t hear a thing.
Source: Philipp Rüegg

What should the Xbox handheld be called?

If I’m already holding my wish list under Microsoft’s nose, I want to give some tips back. The device still needs a suitable name, and I’m happy to help with the brainstorming.

Xbox Series P: the P stands for portable. The name is obvious, but also incredibly boring. It’d also perpetuate the unnecessarily complicated naming of the current generation, which can’t be useful.

Xbox Portable: simple name, but probably too similar to the PlayStation Portal.

Xbox Mini: short, easy to remember, but maybe not grandiose enough.

Xbox to go: I’d find it funny, everyone would get it. Go on Microsoft, I dare you!

Xbox Surface: the marriage of both Microsoft hardware brands. Ingenious or incredibly confusing?

Xbox Go: the Surface Go already exists, so why not use the same nickname for Xbox?

Xboy: all they’d have to do is swap one letter and they could tick off Nintendo a bit in the process

If Microsoft can achieve all this, ideally packaged in a sleek design and with a purchase price of around 500 francs/euros, it could give the Xbox division a powerful boost.

Teaser: Midjourney/Philipp Rüegg

81 people like this article

Philipp Rüegg

Senior Editor

Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.ch

As a child, I wasn't allowed to have any consoles. It was only with the arrival of the family's 486 PC that the magical world of gaming opened up to me. Today, I'm overcompensating accordingly. Only a lack of time and money prevents me from trying out every game there is and decorating my shelf with rare retro consoles.

Opinion

This is a subjective opinion of the editorial team. It doesn't necessarily reflect the position of the company.

Show all

These articles might also interest you

Opinion
Why PC is the best place to game
by Philipp Rüegg
Opinion
Console launches have become boring – but there’s an upside
by Philipp Rüegg
Opinion
Will Steam Deck reshape the way we game on PC?
by Philipp Rüegg