TechGamingGaming ConsolesMicrosoft wants to ditch Windows for future Xbox gaming handheldsXbox’s console operating system could shape how we use future handheldsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechGamingGaming ConsolesMicrosoft wants to ditch Windows for future Xbox gaming handheldsXbox’s console operating system could shape how we use future handheldsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Xbox’s console operating system could shape how we use future handhelds
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Asus)
(Image credit: Asus)
Quick SummaryMicrosoft is working on new software for gaming handhelds which will “put the player and their library at the center of the experience".And we may not have long to wait, as Microsoft will reportedly share more later this year.
Microsoft is working on new software for gaming handhelds which will “put the player and their library at the center of the experience".And we may not have long to wait, as Microsoft will reportedly share more later this year.
Microsoft is working on new software for gaming handhelds which will “put the player and their library at the center of the experience".And we may not have long to wait, as Microsoft will reportedly share more later this year.
Microsoft is working on new software for gaming handhelds which will “put the player and their library at the center of the experience".
And we may not have long to wait, as Microsoft will reportedly share more later this year.
There’s good news coming out ofCES 2025for fans of PC gaming handhelds.Microsoft’s VP of Next Generation, Jason Ronald, offered hope to those frustrated with the Windows experience on these devices.
The Windows operating system on handhelds such as theAsusROG Ally X,Lenovo Legion Goand Ayaneo Flip DS is leagues behind when putting gaming front and centre compared to Valve’s console-centric, Linux-based software on theSteam Deckandnewly announced Lenovo Legion Go S.
Speaking during the ‘The Future of Gaming Handhelds’ roundtable at the show, and then in more detailto The Verge, Ronald revealed Microsoft wants to combine the Xbox console operating system with Windows, saying: “Our goal is to put the player and their library at the centre of the experience.”
There appears to be a realisation at Microsoft that the current Windows operating system on a handheld gaming device is just too fussy and needs to change: “We’re focused on really simplifying that and making it much more like a console experience,” Ronald explained.
The end of Windows as you know it
While Microsoft isn’t ready to completely ditch Windows, Ronald emphasises that what it wants for handhelds going forward is “not the Windows desktop that you have today.”
“The reality is the Xbox operating system is built on top of Windows. So, there’s 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.”
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And there’s more good news, as we’re not going to be waiting years to learn more about the vision. Ronald cheekily added: “I think we’ll have a lot more to share later this year.
“I think it’s going to be a journey and I think you’ll see a lot of investments over time that you’re starting to see already, but we’ll have a lot more to share.”
Today’s best gaming handheld dealsAsus ROG Ally X$799.99ViewSee all pricesLenovo Legion Go$654.03ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck 64GB$499$475ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck 256GB$500.98ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck 512GB$530.12ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck OLED 512GB$665ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck OLED 1TB$749.95ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best gaming handheld dealsAsus ROG Ally X$799.99ViewSee all pricesLenovo Legion Go$654.03ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck 64GB$499$475ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck 256GB$500.98ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck 512GB$530.12ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck OLED 512GB$665ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck OLED 1TB$749.95ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best gaming handheld dealsAsus ROG Ally X$799.99ViewSee all pricesLenovo Legion Go$654.03ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck 64GB$499$475ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck 256GB$500.98ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck 512GB$530.12ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck OLED 512GB$665ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck OLED 1TB$749.95ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best gaming handheld deals
Asus ROG Ally X$799.99ViewSee all pricesLenovo Legion Go$654.03ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck 64GB$499$475ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck 256GB$500.98ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck 512GB$530.12ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck OLED 512GB$665ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck OLED 1TB$749.95ViewSee all prices
Asus ROG Ally X$799.99ViewSee all prices
Asus ROG Ally X$799.99ViewSee all prices
Asus ROG Ally X
Asus ROG Ally X
$799.99View
$799.99
$799.99
See all prices
Lenovo Legion Go$654.03ViewSee all prices
Lenovo Legion Go$654.03ViewSee all prices
Lenovo Legion Go
Lenovo Legion Go
$654.03View
$654.03
$654.03
See all prices
Valve Steam Deck 64GB$499$475ViewSee all prices
Valve Steam Deck 64GB$499$475ViewSee all prices
Valve Steam Deck 64GB
Valve Steam Deck 64GB
$499$475View
$499$475
$475
See all prices
Valve Steam Deck 256GB$500.98ViewSee all prices
Valve Steam Deck 256GB$500.98ViewSee all prices
Valve Steam Deck 256GB
Valve Steam Deck 256GB
$500.98View
$500.98
$500.98
See all prices
Valve Steam Deck 512GB$530.12ViewSee all prices
Valve Steam Deck 512GB$530.12ViewSee all prices
Valve Steam Deck 512GB
Valve Steam Deck 512GB
$530.12View
$530.12
$530.12
See all prices
Valve Steam Deck OLED 512GB$665ViewSee all prices
Valve Steam Deck OLED 512GB$665ViewSee all prices
Valve Steam Deck OLED 512GB
Valve Steam Deck OLED 512GB
$665View
$665
$665
See all prices
Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB$749.95ViewSee all prices
Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB$749.95ViewSee all prices
Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB
Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB
$749.95View
$749.95
$749.95
See all prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
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