According to a source, a recent survey from Microsoft may prove that the tech giant is developing a handheld Xbox console to compete with the Steam Deck, the ROG Ally, and other portable handhelds. While Microsoft has not officially revealed any specifications or concrete information about a portable Xbox console, the new survey could indicate Microsoft is gauging interest in such a product.

Back in February 2024, Sony was reported to be working on a potential new handheld console of its own, over a decade after the release of its previous handheld, the PlayStation Vita. While the device has not officially been greenlit, that has not stopped social media users from contributing to the conversation. In response to a comment that Xbox should consider making a handheld console, insider Jez Corden stated that Microsoft was developing a potential handheld device, but did not give further information about it. Although the success of devices such as the Steam Deck and the Nintendo Switch proves that the market is growing, Microsoft has largely stuck to Xbox Cloud Gaming on mobile devices.

Though Microsoft has not confirmed that it is officially working on a portable Xbox console, a recent act from the company has led more fuel to the speculation. According to Windows Central, Microsoft released a short survey for some users via email. In addition to demographics and basic user information, some of the survey's questions ranged from handheld gaming systems that players use, including the ROG Ally, to the importance of Xbox Game Pass and cloud gaming in deciding what games to play. The survey was stated to take seven minutes to complete, but some questions could take longer depending on what the user chooses to submit to Microsoft via the survey.

Email is sent out to Xbox users at random.
The survey takes at least seven minutes to complete.
Questions touch upon consoles such as the Steam Deck and services like Xbox Game Pass.

Although the survey is not a direct confirmation that Xbox is developing a portable console, the survey may be seen as a sign that Microsoft is trying to gauge interest in the venture. With Microsoft focused on Xbox Game Pass and Cloud Gaming across its entire ecosystem, a portable gaming console would likely be included in the fold from the start. Only time will tell if and when Microsoft will officially confirm or deny the rumors surrounding a potential portable Xbox.

While all rumors are to be taken with a grain of salt, Microsoft's upcoming June showcase is a chance for the company to share what is coming to the Xbox brand soon. Whether a portable console gets mentioned or not remains to be seen.

Posted: May 05, 2024 1:33 pm
Related Forum: Xbox Forum

Source: https://gamerant.com/xbox-handheld-console-survey-more-evidence/