One Feature Could Give Xbox the Edge in the Handheld Console Wars

The world of handheld gaming has had an impressive journey. While several consoles made their debut prior, it was Nintendo’s Game Boy that truly transformed portable gaming by offering experiences akin to the NES. Nintendo didn’t stop there; they further solidified their reputation with subsequent Game Boy updates and then took the industry by storm with the introduction of the Nintendo DS in 2006. Although PlayStation has thrown its hat in the handheld ring, Xbox has stayed away from this market—until now, that is.

After more than a year filled with rumors, Phil Spencer recently spilled the beans in an interview with Bloomberg, confirming that Xbox is indeed working on a handheld device. However, Spencer also mentioned that it might take a few years before this device hits the shelves. Once the Xbox handheld does make its entry, there’s a standout feature likely to give it an edge over its rivals.

The handheld sector is bustling more than ever. Entering its seventh year, the Nintendo Switch, along with its Lite and OLED versions, has managed to exceed 140 million units in sales. Though technically lagging in hardware compared to even the older PlayStation and Xbox models, the Switch’s portable design, brand legacy, and family-friendly nature have kept it a favorite over the past ten years.

In 2022, Valve ventured into the handheld space with the Steam Deck, which, over the past two years, has garnered praise as a top-tier device. It boasts the capability to handle modern, graphics-heavy games with ease. By the time Xbox’s handheld reaches consumers, the market landscape might shift slightly, though not by much. The next-gen Nintendo Switch is expected soon, and news of a second-generation Steam Deck is already confirmed. Hence, Xbox’s handheld may face a similar competitive environment as it would today.

Furthermore, a Bloomberg report hints that PlayStation might also be in the early stages of creating a new handheld console. If that’s accurate, Xbox will need to brace for significant competition upon launch.

One potential game-changer for Xbox’s handheld could be Xbox Game Pass. This past year, Xbox has been touting the idea that the Xbox experience transcends the console, extending to any device that supports the Xbox app. Xbox Game Pass has taken center stage in this strategy, often featured in ads showcasing its availability on Xbox, PC, mobile, and via cloud streaming.

When Xbox finally lifts the curtain on its handheld, it’s likely that Game Pass will play a pivotal role in its appeal, and rightfully so. Making Xbox Game Pass a cornerstone of this new device could offer immense benefits both immediately and in the long run.

Initially, players with the Xbox handheld would gain entry to an enormous library of titles, without any added cost. With a diverse range of games available through Game Pass, users can instantly put the handheld’s capabilities to the test with a host of AAA and indie games from day one.

Looking ahead, Xbox Game Pass ensures a constantly evolving game selection, enticing users to return repeatedly. Although PlayStation’s prospective handheld might leverage its PS Plus library, Game Pass could maintain a competitive edge. Unlike PS Plus, Game Pass includes first-party games from day one—a distinct advantage that will strengthen over time as Xbox’s portfolio now comprises Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda, and Activision-Blizzard.