Next-Gen Xbox Is a Handheld: Microsoft and Asus Redefine Mobile Console Gaming

Microsoft has pulled back the curtain on a bold new direction for Xbox: a handheld gaming device designed in partnership with Asus, powered by Windows but feeling like a true console. Officially revealed this week, the device represents a significant shift toward a more decentralized and mobile Xbox platform.

While Asus is leading the hardware manufacturing, the software experience is driven by Microsoft. The new devices will boot straight into a custom Xbox user interface—not the familiar Windows desktop—creating a frictionless gaming startup that immediately feels like you’re holding an Xbox in your hands.

This UI prioritizes Xbox Game Pass integration, but also supports Steam, Epic Games Store, and apps like Discord, emphasizing the hybrid nature of the hardware. Players can access their entire cross-platform game library with minimal setup.

Microsoft stated during the reveal, “This is an Xbox.” And with that declaration, the company seems to be reshaping what it means to own one. Rather than tying the Xbox experience to a single black box under your TV, Microsoft is pursuing a cloud- and PC-based ecosystem that brings gaming to wherever users are—home, work, or on the go.

The announcement came with a slick behind-the-scenes documentary, giving fans an inside look at how the product was conceived. Veteran industrial designer Carl Ledbetter, known for his work on the Xbox 360 Slim and the Xbox One X, appeared in the video to highlight the product’s significance. “We’re witnessing a pivotal change in how people access Xbox,” Ledbetter said.

This strategic evolution aligns with Microsoft’s larger push to turn Xbox into a service rather than a fixed piece of hardware. With Xbox Cloud Gaming, Game Pass, and now dedicated handhelds, Microsoft is sending a clear message: the future of gaming is platform-agnostic and player-focused.