The 2024 Xbox Games Showcase did give us an replace on new console iteration within the type of an all-digital Xbox Series X, but it surely lacked any phrase on the long-rumored Xbox {hardware} many followers are anxious to listen to extra about: An Xbox handheld.
Today on stage at IGN Live, IGN’s Ryan McCaffrey requested Spencer to handle the rumors that Xbox is engaged on some kind of handheld.
“The future for us in {hardware} is fairly superior. The work that the workforce is doing round completely different type components, alternative ways to play, I’m extremely enthusiastic about,” Spencer stated. “Today was in regards to the video games… however we could have a time to come back out and discuss extra about platform, and we won’t wait to deliver it to you.”
When requested if a hypothetical Xbox handheld could be a devoted gaming platform the place you possibly can play video games regionally (like a Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch), or a cloud-based handheld, Spencer responded: “I feel with the ability to play video games regionally is admittedly vital.”
Rumors a couple of doable Xbox handheld console have been swirling for months, with many anticipating some sort of announcement at right this moment’s showcase. Those rumors have been fueled by the trove of leaked Microsoft paperwork final fall, which revealed plans for an Xbox handheld. Spencer, nevertheless, would later come out to say these plans have been outdated.
Xbox has hinted at new {hardware} within the near-ish future, with Microsoft asserting a multi-year roadmap in February that features a next-generation Xbox console. And, whereas neither Spencer nor every other Xbox management had confirmed the existence of it, Spencer did go as far as to say what he would need from a handheld Xbox in an interview with Polygon in March.
At the time, Spencer listed numerous options that might make a handheld console “really feel like an Xbox,” together with accessing all of your video games with related save information: “What ought to we construct that may discover new gamers?” he stated on the time. “That will enable folks to play at instances once they couldn’t go play [in the past]?”
Elsewhere throughout our interview with Spencer, he addressed the latest closure of Hi-Fi Rush developer Tango Gameworks. For every part that truly was introduced at right this moment’s Xbox Showcase, take a look at our full round-up. And keep tuned for extra from our unique chat with Spencer at IGN Live.
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Logan Plant is IGN’s Database Manager, Playlist Editor, occasional information author, and Super Ninfriendo on Nintendo Voice Chat. Find him on Twitter @LoganJPlant.
