Speculation surrounding the potential release of a handheld gaming console from Xbox has been reignited by insider Jez Corden during a recent podcast appearance. Jez Corden dropped some intriguing details that suggest Xbox may be venturing into the handheld gaming market, with a device that shares similarities with Nintendo’s Switch rather than Sony’s PlayStation Portal.
The rumors gained traction back in February when Corden hinted at Xbox’s foray into the handheld market with a cryptic tweet response affirming the existence of such plans. His tweet, “They are,” in reply to a query about Xbox’s handheld console, added weight to the rumors that had been circulating.
During an episode of the Xbox Two podcast, Corden delved deeper into the subject, shedding light on new information regarding Xbox’s alleged handheld device. He revealed that Xbox had already developed prototypes of the handheld console, distinguishing them as “new prototypes” separate from previous rumors. However, he cautioned that the existence of prototypes did not guarantee a product would ultimately reach the market.
Corden underscored the recent surge in popularity of handheld gaming consoles as a key factor driving Xbox’s interest in this area. He emphasized, “Purely on the basis of hard analysis, I think they are absolutely pursuing a handheld.” This statement suggests that Xbox sees potential in the handheld gaming market and is actively exploring opportunities to enter it.
Notably, Corden highlighted a crucial distinction between Xbox’s rumored handheld device and Sony’s recently released PlayStation Portal. While Sony’s handheld is designed solely for streaming PS5 games, the Xbox prototypes are purportedly capable of running games natively. This sets Xbox’s potential offering apart, positioning it as a direct competitor to Nintendo’s Switch and catering to gamers who prefer traditional gaming experiences on the go.
As speculation continues to swirl, gaming enthusiasts eagerly await further developments and official announcements from Xbox regarding its rumored handheld console. If these rumors prove true, it could mark a significant expansion of Xbox’s gaming ecosystem and offer players a new way to enjoy their favorite titles outside of traditional console and PC setups.