Can the Xbox Series X be bottled into a handheld? (Microsoft)Microsoft has confirmed prototypes are being developed for an Xbox handheld, as it seeks to rival the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck.Over the past year, Microsoft has explicitly teased its next generation plans, as the Xbox Series X/S continues to lag behind its competitors.While weve heard the company boldly proclaim its next console will see the biggest technological leap ever in a generation, there have also been several clear indications that it is pursuing the handheld market from both Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer and Xbox president Sarah Bond.Spencer has now confirmed Xbox is building prototypes for a handheld device, although it seems rumours of a 2026 release may be overly optimistic.In an interview with Bloomberg, Spencer said the expectation is that we would do something in the handheld gaming market, before confirming Microsoft is working on prototypes and considering how to market them.According to the report, Spencer has asked his team to analyse the handheld market and develop its vision based on what it learns. Crucially, Spencer is noted as saying that any device is still a few years out.While its unclear if this potential handheld will be the primary model for the next generation, it sounds like hes simply waiting to see what Nintendo pulls out of its hat with its impending Switch successor.Could it be a hybrid console like the Switch? (Nintendo)As for the near future, Spencer notes that the company is looking to improve the Xbox app on existing portable devices, and partner with hardware companies to make sure Xbox games are in sync with their platforms.Longer term, I love us building devices, Spencer added. And I think our team could do some real innovative work, but we want to be informed by learning and whats happening now.In the same interview, Spencer said there are no red lines when it comes to bringing Xbox games to other platforms. Xbox has doubled down on its multiplatform strategy over the past year, with its next major exclusive, Indiana Jones And The Great Circle, set to come to PlayStation 5 in 2025.With Nintendo, Valve, and (with the PlayStation Portal) Sony all finding success in the handheld space, its no surprise Xbox is planning a move into the market. The big question, which applies to its next gen plans in general, is what exactly Xbox can offer that the others dont.Indiana Jones And The Great Circle is Xboxs last hurrah for 2024 (Bethesda)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.MORE : The best early Black Friday 2024 deals on PS5, Xbox, and Switch consolesMORE : Black Myth: Wukong fans should check out this overlooked Xbox 360 gemMORE : Marvels Wolverine director changes allegiance from PS5 to join XboxSign up to all the exclusive gaming content, latest releases before they're seen on the site.Privacy Policy This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.