It's common knowledge now that Xbox is at least considering making a handheld device (and apparently Sony is as well!), and although the Series S has had its critics at times, it could end up being extremely useful for such a device.
Recently, the folks at Digital Foundry were discussing how the lower specs of the Series S could serve as a benchmark of sorts for an Xbox handheld, whereas PlayStation doesn't have anything similar to fall back on as things stand.
Then, Windows Central editor Jez Corden chimed in, revealing that according to his Xbox sources, Microsoft is using the Series S to "inform their decisions" as they work on prototypes for whatever this Xbox handheld could be.
Jez Corden: "Spoke to Xbox sources directly about the Xbox Series S performance target informing their decisions while prototyping the Xbox handheld."
"Xbox Series S was always the right choice."
Obviously it's not as simple as cramming the Xbox Series S internals into a handheld and calling it a day, but clearly it's providing at least some benefits for Microsoft as the team attempts to work out what lies ahead in the handheld space.
For now, it's been made clear that the focus from a handheld perspective is to make the Xbox App as intuitive as possible on existing devices, but we're still hoping we might get more details about a dedicated handheld in 2025.
Do you think the Series S could end up proving important for a handheld? Let us know down below.
[source x.com]
Comments 34
I'm hoping that both the handheld and the NeXtBoX come out at the same time, with the handheld being the more 'budget' console that replaces the S. I'm also really hoping that Microsoft do not insist on parity between the NeXtBoX and the handheld, because that will really cause problems going forward.
The NeXtBoX needs to be able to shine, not have accusations that the handheld is holding it back, as is the case with the S and X. What Microsoft also need to do when they release the NeXtBoX is release one with a disc-drive, and one all digital. Cover all bases that way...
Xbox definitely has the advantage in optimizing games for a handheld. They have been great about making them work on series S and a wide range of PC as well. Sony has really struggled with some of their pc ports at launch.
@Fiendish-Beaver The same DF Direct that the above quote is taken from specifically discusses how bifurcating development into two distinct, segregated pipelines is no longer a viable strategy. The Switch exists solely to solve that exact problem for Nintendo, and it’s highly unlikely moving forward that any platform holder will have dedicated console/handheld versions for a given game.
Well then the Xbox handheld should be cheap as chips if it's only going to be as powerful as a series s shouldn't it?
If the Switch 2 turns out to have specs matching the Series S then this Xbox handheld is DOA.
We shall see, but I hope Microsoft are learning it’s all about the games and great AAA quality games.
And advertising and getting general public attention.
Being honest I’m amazed Microsoft are even bothering with more hardware, be it home console, handheld or hybrid.
Doesn’t me I’m not glad they are still doing hardware, but just surprised.
@Savage_Joe There’s a big difference between having a device that can stream games from a PS5 than an actual standalone handheld. I can play games from my console or stream others from GamePass already using my phone and a Backbone. So all Sony really has done is attach their fancy controller to a screen to do the same exact thing.
MS didn’t have to make something that people can already do on their own.
@Ricky-Spanish 🤣 let's hope so.
The real thing I think MS are waiting on is to see how new mobile APUs handle performance at lower wattages. Probably heavily reliant on AI and frame gen, so in all likelihood better than the S, but not more powerful (smaller screen, lower res requirements etc.)
@Ricky-Spanish
Not necessarily. Steam Deck has the power of PS4 and it costs more or less the same as a Series X currently (especially the OLED variant). Gamers have to pay a premium for portable gaming devices (ditto for gaming laptops).
Don’t be surprised at how expensive any new console will get in 2025 - tariffs anyone?
Good luck making a handheld with Series S specs affordable anytime soon. Though that likely isn't the goal, tbf.
@AlwaysPlaying I'm only answering this because a cousin of mine goes on and on about it.
But no, tariffs won't necessarily affect the price of consoles, even if they're being manufactured out of country. As long as there is some sort of assemblage plant and it gets put together in a country it can by pass tariffs. If anything it will probably bring more Nintendo and Playstation jobs.
@Fiendish-Beaver
You speak such common sense.
But will they listen, they haven’t much so far this generation.
@Utena-mobile good breakdown. I see someone has taken some business and/or economics classes.
@BacklogBrad as a Series S owner, not sure I agree on games running great on the machine… some games sure, but some are almost unplayable. Hopefully theres something Xbox can learn from that when developing a handheld console.
@gollumb82 Well good luck selling that so isn't the series s meant to be the blame of everything wrong this gen haha I taught everyone just wants 4k 60fps?
@mac_da_man I have not come across any games with major issues on the series s. Certainly nothing close to unplayable.
@FraserG might be interested in seeing the Phawx’s video on this from over a year ago…might even be good to add to the article?
https://www.youtube.com/user/ThePhawx
@Fiendish-Beaver Microsoft already have a NeXtBoX it’s called a windows pc 😉
In my opinion Microsoft should have marketed the Series S as a "family" or "party" console, similar to how the Wii was marketed, rather than as a "budget" console, so I can't say I'm too confident in their ability to market a handheld console well — especially since it will be up against both the Switch and SteamDeck successors.
@gollumb82 I wouldn’t exactly used the steam deck as a price point. You’re already paying a massive premium for the Steam Deck even compared to vastly higher specs handheld PC, and Valve is also playing a sneaky game by keeping it exclusive to Steam… They can continue to charge a premium with very few discounts.
Also, Microsoft is a larger company so has more purchasing power compared to valve which can help drive down costs of components.
I don't know how Series S plays into this if we start the new generation with consoles and a handheld console.
At the end of the day most game developers ship on PC as well. There are many lower end PCs that are less than console specs running games. Developers will typically target the broadest audience possible to sell their games. If hardware sells, game developers will make sure their games work on it.
I think it’s worth noting that even if a handheld was identical to a series S internally it would still cost a lot more. Batteries and a screen don’t come cheap.
Why? So they can have a handheld that they don't exclusively support because they will put all their own games on Sonys new handheld or the Steamdeck anyway? It could be goldplated, I won't buy it. Xbox has burnt me 2 gens in a row now. I'm out.
The Series S is a criminally underrated console and it does serve as a good point for playing games on a handheld.
The best time to release handheld is mid-gen so you enable it to run current gen games and you dont have to promise next gen support. And they have not done it.
The main reason is I am really concerned they release next xbox along with handheld with promise to run same games (series s and x parity situation). Handheld will def hold the big console back.
From other point of view, if you release the handheld device without a parity condition well its a tough sell: the device that run older games up to series gen and maybe some next gen games - sounds not enticing for a consumer.
Another option is to make it its own generation and based on PC like rog ally so you can tweak games around. But then the question rises - whats the point if you can buy rog ally/steam deck today.
Not sure how to properly launch this product tbh
@Fiendish-Beaver If the handheld does come out at the same time as the next home console as the replacement for Series S, there's one thing I would like it to be: dockable just like the Switch. That way, Microsoft would have a powerful console designed for TV and a weaker (but portable) version for the ones who'd prefer it. I'd buy the handheld over the other one.
It would have to be a digital-only machine, though.
You want a real winner and a quick sale just make it able to play your FULL library OG Xbox, 360, MS I don't think have a clue just how many still like to play retro games..The Logitech G Cloud is a great less expensive way to play on the go, I've yet to have any issues running any games..
Perhaps… but DF also said a handheld PS5 was impossible anyway as the CPU couldn’t be replicated at a mobile power draw any time soon. The same would apply for the Series S and X which use basically the same CPU.
People are forgetting the rumor early this year that MS had reassigned some of the Surface team to the Xbox division. MS's response at the time seemed very carefully worded, which left me thinking there was a kernel of truth to it. Leveraging their mobile PC division to help with a portable Xbox is a fantastic idea.
Removed - trolling/baiting; user is banned
Absolutely a big advantage!
Xbox handheld will no doubt be more powerful and better console than the money grab console, known as, Series S.
@GuyinPA75 I would hope so, considering it will be several years newer and probably cost more lol.
Honestly, no matter what you might think about the decision, the fact that Xbox engineers were able to cram so much power into such a small case and keep the internals cool enough with a fairly quiet fan, is impressive. I've been excited for what type of handheld Xbox engineers could cook up ever since. Then they'll obviously be working with much more powerful components for a future handheld than the Series S. Considering that current Handhelds are being praised for PS4/Xbox One performance, Xbox could cook up something really special. Seriously, the size of the Series S is especially not given enough credence. Not to mention actually having a lower end SKU that has forced optimization and expanded the range of hardware games are available on. To me it's as simple as current Xbox engineers having far more experience building a truly budget device that's lightweight, small, and packs a punch.
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