By Corinne Galvan
April 7th. 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
Microsoft might be testing the waters with its very own handheld gaming device, which could completely change the game for gamers. According to rumours, the tech giant is working on a portable console, similar to how the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck opened the door for unexpected mobile play.
What We Know So Far About Microsoft’s Portable Console
There has yet to be an official announcement, but insiders and leaked patent filings suggest that something exciting is in the air. Picture a device that feels like an extension of the traditional Xbox universe, perhaps even tied to Xbox Game Pass and Microsoft’s cloud gaming setup. In most cases, people believe it will unlock a massive library of games, ranging from flashy AAA titles to those charming indie ones, all available in a pocket-sized marvel, plus, the possibility to play other options like casino games in Ontario thanks to the mods other users might develop as it happened with the Steam Deck and similar handheld consoles. The details are still unclear, but these signals are enough to capture players’ interest.
Unlike the complicated consoles that sit in our living rooms and require real hardware, this rumoured gadget appears to rely mainly on cloud streaming. That means it won’t need heavy-duty standards to function properly. If you think about it, this could be an important development for gamers who are always on the move—a device that can easily switch between home sessions and spontaneous outdoor play. The idea is simple yet radical: having high-performance play available wherever you are, with all the ease of modern connectivity.
The Effect on the Gaming Industry
This new handheld console by Microsoft would be a first for Bill Gates’ company. After the success of the Xbox consoles, this would be the first incursion in the portable gaming world with their own hardware. Sony, who has tried to compete in this part of the industry, hasn’t shown a new portable console for a few years, after the PS Vita was a big blunder from them.
Nintendo is another company who should be aware of the movements coming from the Americans. The Japanese gaming giant is the most successful brand in the handheld sector and their soon-to-be shown Nintendo Switch 2 would have a big competitor this time. The biggest drive to buy a Nintendo console has been their exclusive titles, but with the possibility to play graphic intense and AAA games in the Microsoft’s console, the history could change rapidly.
For now, Microsoft’s plans remain wrapped in speculation, and a formal announcement is still on the way. Still, rumours of a mobile console have everyone talking: the future of gaming appears to be moving faster than ever before, and with Microsoft potentially leading the charge, there’s a lot of excitement in the air. Until the official word drops, gamers across Ontario will keep an eye out for any new information—a tiny step towards a bright, hybrid gaming future that may be closer than we think.
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