By Uzma Sahar 
Xbox Boss Hints at Handheld Console to Compete with Nintendo Switch
Xbox CEO Phil Spencer has revealed that the tech giant is testing the waters for a potential handheld gaming console, a move that could introduce a strong competitor to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. In a recent interview, Spencer shared that while Xbox has been experimenting with portable gaming prototypes, the launch of an official Xbox handheld remains far off.
Speculation about Xbox’s entry into portable gaming has been circulating since early 2023, fueled by reports that the company has been working on designs since March 2024. Although the prototypes mark a clear interest in the handheld market, Spencer noted that no release timeline is set.
Meanwhile, Nintendo is in the final stages of developing the Switch 2, a console anticipated to build on the success of the original Switch. Although Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa has confirmed that development is progressing, no official launch date has been provided. Nintendo’s ability to deliver high-quality gaming experiences on the Switch and other devices has shifted the perspective on handheld consoles, once considered a niche.
As Xbox’s handheld ambitions become clearer, fans and industry insiders are eager to see how the company’s vision will take shape and whether it will match the versatility and performance of competitors like the Switch and Valve’s Steam Deck.