Xbox handheld: Microsoft is said to be working on several prototypes

The market for gaming handhelds is booming. Alongside Steam Deck OLED and ASUS ROG Ally, many manufacturers are vying for the favor of gamers. Now Microsoft is said to have acquired a taste for it and is rumored to be working on an Xbox handheld. Several prototypes are said to already be in development.

Is the Xbox handheld coming?

Microsoft could be aiming to enter the profitable handheld market. At least if the rumors of Xbox insider and Windows Central editor Jez Cohen are to be believed. He revealed in the Xbox Two podcast that Microsoft apparently has several prototypes of an Xbox handheld up its sleeve.

These are said to be native Xbox devices that do not rely on cloud gaming, Cohen continued. However, these are currently still in development and various concepts are currently being tested, but a possible release is still a (relatively) long way off.

An Xbox handheld would of course make sense as a valid Steam Deck alternative, as mobile games consoles are selling very well. It is conceivable that Microsoft could opt for a powerful console for the next generation of consoles, accompanied by a handheld. This could be reminiscent of the Nintendo Switch with a docking station and replace the Xbox Series S.

Back in February, rumors were circulating that Microsoft had scrapped a mid-gen refresh in the form of an Xbox Series X Pro. At the time, there was also talk of a dockable handheld console that would work in a similar way to the Nintendo Switch.

While there is still no confirmation or announcement from Microsoft, there are some indications that the company could be turning its back on classic games consoles – at least to some extent.