They might not see the light of day, but Microsoft is reportedly tinkering away on Xbox handheld prototypes behind closed doors. They're thought to be constructed with Steam Deck as the competition in mind--instead of something similar to PlayStation Portal.
At least, that's what Windows Central managing editor Jez Corden shared on the Xbox Two Podcast, as spotted by Insider-Gaming. "I know that they’ve [Xbox] have got handheld prototypes right now," Corden said on the show. If this Microsoft device comes to market, it will be fully native as well, according to Corden, similar to Steam Deck.
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This wouldn't be new territory for Xbox. In 2017, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer revealed that there had been Xbox handheld prototypes in the past that never came out of the research-and-design phase. Corden believes this time could be different with the success of Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck.
Earlier this year, there were rumors Xbox could be leaving the console business, but those weren't true. In fact, last month Microsoft confirmed it was working on the next generation of Xbox consoles, though it didn't offer any specific details. Last year, leaked documents pointed to an Xbox Series X digital-only console possibly being on the way in the future.
As for the Xbox handheld prototype, it's unknown whether it could be a new device for the current Xbox generation--maybe called Series H?--or part of the next generation.
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