Xbox Could Be Dominating the Handheld Console Market with a Single Feature

Handheld gaming has a storied legacy, and for many, it all began with the Nintendo Game Boy. While it wasn’t the very first handheld console, it was revolutionary, bringing near-NES experiences to a portable form. Nintendo didn’t stop there; it went on to refine and push the boundaries with its future Game Boy systems and then raised the industry’s bar again with the Nintendo DS in 2006. Meanwhile, although PlayStation has made a notable attempt to join the handheld fray, Xbox has notably stayed on the sidelines. Well, that’s about to change.

The chatter and speculation swirling around a potential Xbox handheld device have been put to rest. Xbox head Phil Spencer revealed in a recent interview with Bloomberg that the company is, indeed, crafting its entry into the handheld market. However, Spencer cautioned that eager fans might have to wait a few years before they see it hit the shelves. Yet, when it does make its debut, there’s a standout feature that promises to give it a competitive edge.

Right now, the handheld gaming arena is more crowded than ever. The Nintendo Switch, now in its seventh year, along with its Lite and OLED versions, has sold a staggering 140 million units despite its relatively outdated hardware. The handheld nature, strong brand presence, and family-friendly appeal have ensured its dominance over the years.

Then there’s the Steam Deck from Valve, released in 2022, which has garnered acclaim as one of the top handheld consoles available. Its ability to run even the most demanding modern games with minimal fuss has won it many fans.

By the time Xbox’s handheld makes its grand entrance, the landscape may look somewhat different, but not drastically so. The Nintendo Switch’s successor is set to be revealed soon, and Valve has also confirmed that a new generation of the Steam Deck is on the way. If PlayStation is indeed developing a latest handheld device, as hinted by a Bloomberg report, Xbox will certainly have its work cut out in terms of competition.

The Xbox handheld’s potential game-changer could very well be the Xbox Game Pass. In recent times, Xbox has been pushing the narrative that it’s more than just a console—it’s a platform accessible anywhere the Xbox app runs. This message has been amplified by highlighting Xbox Game Pass, with advertisements showcasing players enjoying this subscription service across Xbox, PC, mobile, and more through Cloud streaming.

Once Xbox officially unveils its handheld, the Game Pass could become a pivotal element in its success. Featuring this service prominently in the new handheld would be immensely beneficial both immediately and in the long run.

In the short-term, players will gain access to a vast library of games without incurring further costs. Xbox Game Pass’s extensive range of experiences would allow players to quickly immerse themselves in testing the handheld’s capabilities, with a trove of both AAA and Indie games ready from the get-go.

Looking further ahead, Xbox Game Pass would ensure a continuously refreshing catalogue of games for handheld users. While PlayStation might leverage its PS Plus library for its handheld, Game Pass remains a step ahead, particularly since PS Plus doesn’t add first-party titles upon release. With Xbox now incorporating studios like Bethesda, Xbox Game Studios, and Activision-Blizzard into its roster, that advantage will only grow stronger.

For more insights, check out our Xbox Handheld Console Wish List!