In 2016,Xboxconfirmed that it at one point had plans to create an “Xboy,” a handheldXboxdevice to compete with Nintendo’s 3DS and PlayStation’s PS Vita. However, Microsoft was never able to allocate the resources necessary for Xbox to make a genuine product push. No word of an Xbox handheld device has been rumored since, but a new push for Xbox Cloud Gaming and Xbox Game Pass is reinvigorating the discussion among fans. That’s not all, however, as an interesting recent hardware announcement also has fans thinking about an Xboy.
In a recent announcement,Razerand Qualcomm are partnering to deliver a unique handheld device. A devkit of the device was even revealed, dubbed the Snapdragon G3x Handheld Developer Kit. It’s the first device for what Qualcomm calls its Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 gaming platform. While Qualcomm describes the device as an Android gaming platform, it also says the device could provide an experience akin to PC or console - with a notable mention of Xbox Cloud Gaming.
RELATED:Former Xbox Boss Rejected Multiple Handheld Console Proposals
The Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 gaming platform has robust support for a variety of key features. That includes support for up to 144 FPS, 4K HDR HDMI output, 5G, stereo haptics, and more. Stereo haptics are an eyebrow-raising addition, particularly because Xbox recently confirmed that over 20% ofXbox Cloud Gamingplayers user touch controls. Imagine a Nintendo Switch supporting Xbox Cloud Gaming with touch controls, but in an Android device.
Even the first developer kit shown, Razer’s mockup device, looks like an Xbox handheld. It features a controller’s features and functionality split between the two sides of the screen. The joysticks as well as theX/Y/A/B buttonsare configured akin to an Xbox controller. If this had the Xbox OS running on it, it would persuasively be an Xbox handheld console.
To be clear, Xbox has no association withQualcomm’s gaming platformor the Razer device. There’s no reason to believe that Xbox is considering a handheld device at this time, or that Qualcomm would be its partner if it did. This appears to be Qualcomm looking to use its mobile device experience to break into the handheld console market.
That said, if Xbox wanted to get into the handheld device market, Qualcomm and Razer’s product is certainly one path the company could follow. It practically feels like a pitch from Qualcomm. Rather than the pricey Steam Deck that runs games from the device,Xboxcould offer something Switch-like purely dedicated to streaming games via Xbox Cloud Gaming. At this point, anXbox handheld devicefeels more like an inevitability than a possibility.
MORE:Why Xbox Should Make a Handheld Like Switch and Steam Deck
