Could Xbox’s Key Feature Give It an Edge in the Handheld Console Wars?

The world of handheld gaming has a rich and storied past. While there were a few predecessors, Nintendo’s Game Boy truly revolutionized the concept, bringing nearly the same experience as full-sized consoles like the NES to a portable format. Through subsequent iterations of the Game Boy, Nintendo consistently set industry standards in the realm of handheld gaming. This trend reached another pinnacle with the introduction of the Nintendo DS in 2006, setting a benchmark others struggled to match. Sony’s PlayStation has thrown its hat in the ring occasionally, but Xbox has largely stayed on the sidelines. That, however, is set to change.

After countless whispers and conjecture, Xbox head Phil Spencer confirmed during a Bloomberg interview that Xbox is indeed crafting its first handheld gaming device. Though Spencer mentioned it’ll be several more years before its debut, there’s already speculation about a distinctive feature that will help this new entrant stand out from its rivals.

In today’s bustling handheld market, competition is fierce. The Nintendo Switch, now in its seventh year, continues to dominate with over 140 million units sold, thanks to its various models such as the Lite and OLED. Despite its less advanced hardware, it thrives on its portability, well-established brand, and appeal to families.

In 2022, Valve entered this arena with the Steam Deck, quickly becoming one of the most celebrated handheld devices for its ability to effortlessly handle demanding modern games. While the landscape could shift by the time Xbox’s device arrives, it’s likely to find itself facing off against a new Nintendo Switch successor and the anticipated second-generation Steam Deck already in progress. A recent Bloomberg piece also hints at PlayStation exploring the handheld market again, amplifying the competitive environment Xbox will enter.

The strategy that might give the Xbox handheld an edge is Xbox Game Pass. Xbox has been pushing the narrative that it transcends consoles, promoting the accessibility of its app across various devices. Xbox Game Pass is crucial to this strategy, and if it becomes a focal feature of the upcoming handheld, it could prove extremely advantageous.

In the immediate future, the Xbox handheld would offer players access to an expansive library of games without extra costs, featuring a wide range of experiences. This approach would not only allow users to test the limits of the new device with an array of AAA and indie titles right off the bat but also set the stage for sustained engagement.

Looking further ahead, Xbox Game Pass could provide a continually evolving collection, enticing players back to the device consistently. Even though PlayStation might bring its PS Plus offerings to the table with a new handheld, Xbox Game Pass may still trump it by offering first-party games on release day, a benefit PS Plus doesn’t offer. With the inclusion of Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda, and Activision-Blizzard, this advantage is only set to grow over time.

For more insights, look out for our upcoming Xbox Handheld Console Wish List.