Microsoft is trying to enhance its Windows working system on handheld PCs such because the Asus ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go by making the software program extra like an Xbox console.
Microsoft vp of Next Generation Jason Ronald mentioned at a CES 2025 panel this shift is deliberate for 2025 and informed The Verge it appears to convey “the very best of Xbox and Windows collectively.” This comes forward of Xbox releasing its personal devoted handheld in a couple of years.
Ronald mentioned through the occasion: “We’ve been actually innovating for a very long time within the console area and, as we accomplice throughout the business, it’s actually about: ‘How will we convey these improvements that we’ve incubated and developed within the console area and convey them to PC and convey them to the hand held gaming area?”
He expanded on this to The Verge, saying Microsoft has spent “the final 20 years constructing a world-class working system” that is “locked to the console.” It’s due to this fact now understanding the way to convey that have to Windows.
“We’re centered on actually simplifying that and making it far more like a console expertise,” Ronald mentioned. “Our aim is to place the participant and their library on the middle of the expertise and never all of the [Windows] work that it’s a must to do right this moment.”
It’s unclear when particular particulars will come, however Ronald insisted will probably be in 2025. “I believe we’ll have much more to share later this yr,” he mentioned. “I believe it’s going to be a journey and I believe you’ll see numerous investments over time that you simply’re beginning to see already, however we’ll have much more to share later this yr.”
The handheld gaming PC market has erupted over the previous couple of years, maybe impressed by the unbelievable success of the Nintendo Switch. Valve paved the best way for PC builders with the Steam Deck, although others resembling Asus and Lenovo quickly adopted.
The business is at present ready with bated breath for Nintendo to announce the Switch successor, which seems to spawn a brand new leak or rumor every single day. A mockup even appeared at CES 2025, although the extent of its legitimacy continues to be unclear. Check out each different announcement from the tech conference right here.
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll discuss The Witcher all day.
