Xbox handheld details emerge at CES as Microsoft talks Windows integrationAdam StarkeyPublished January 8, 2025 5:27pmUpdated January 8, 2025 5:28pm Microsoft is still very keen about making an Xbox handheld (Valve/Microsoft/Metro)Microsoft has discussed more of its plans for an Xbox handheld, as it attempts to combine the Xbox dashboard and Windows.After the failure of the Xbox Series X/S, Microsofts future in the games industry remains a issue of hot debate, even within the company itself. What we do know though is that theyre working on both a next gen console and a handheld.Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has already confirmed prototypes are underway for a portable device, which will be a few years out. Its never been confirmed but that alone implies the handheld is the next gen console.Another rumoured option is that it might not be made by Microsoft itself, and will instead see the Xbox operating system being placed on third party devices, such as Lenovo or ROG Ally handhelds.While Microsoft hasnt given an explicit answer on the subject, Microsofts vice president of Next Generation, Jason Ronald, has said it is planning on combining Xbox and Windows in order to bolster its plans in the space.Speaking during an AMD and Lenovo event at CES titled The Future Of Gaming Handhelds, Ronald said: Weve been really innovating for a long time in the console space, and as we partner across the industry its really about how do we bring those innovations that weve incubated and developed in the console space and bring them to PC and bring them to the handheld gaming space. Microsoft wants to unify Xbox and Windows (Microsoft)Ronald later spoke to The Verge after the event, where he went into further detail about Microsofts intentions in the handheld space.I would say its bringing the best of Xbox and Windows together, because we have spent the last 20 years building a world-class operating system, but its really locked to the console, he added. What were doing is were really focused on how do we bring those experiences for both players and developers to the broader Windows ecosystem.While his comments are pretty vague, and appear to apply more generally to Windows on handhelds at large, Ronald does state that the company is focused on really simplifying the Windows functionality so it is much more like a console experience.As for how this will look in practice, Ronald implied it wouldnt simply involve porting the Xbox operating system to Windows. I think, at the end of the day, our goal is to make Windows great for gaming on any device, he added.The reality is the Xbox operating system is built on top of Windows. So theres a lot of infrastructure that we built in the console space that we can bring to the PC space and really deliver that premium gaming experience on any device.Ronald also teased Microsoft will have a lot more to share later this year, implying some kind of overhauled integration between Windows and Xbox could be on the way soon something which might propel its future handheld plans. The Steam variant of the Lenovo Legion Go S (Lenovo)Elsewhere at the event, Lenovo officially announced the Lenovo Legion Go S. This new handheld is essentially a sleeker version of the Legion Go without detachable controllers and a kickstand.Crucially, while the Lenovo Legion Go S will launch with the Windows operating system later this month, a future model will come packaged with the SteamOS. This is the first time a handheld outside of Valve will carry the Steam operating system.The Windows 11 version will begin shipping later this month, priced $729.99 (UK prices are not listed) with the AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. In May, Lenovo will launch a cheaper $599.99 model, with the same processor, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB storage.According to The Verge, the Steam variant will launch at the same time in May, only it will be even cheaper at $499.99 with Z2 Go processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB storage. For comparison, the Steam Deck and the Steam Deck OLED are available in the US for $399 and $549 respectively, so its competitively priced too.More TrendingLenovo also announced its next generation handheld, the Legion Go 2, which is still in the prototype stage but will sport an 8.8 inch OLED display with VRR support, 32GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage. No release date or price for the device has been released. The Lenovo Legion Go 2 will be a while off yet (Lenovo)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.GameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy