Description: Microsoft’s VP of "Next Generation," Jason Ronald, has unveiled their plans to bring the "best of Xbox and Windows" to PCs and handheld devices. Read on to learn more about Microsoft’s vision for the future of gaming.
Bringing the Best Aspects of Xbox and Windows
Focusing on PC First, Then Handhelds
On January 8, The Verge reported that Microsoft’s VP of "Next Generation," Jason Ronald, expressed his desire to integrate "the best of Xbox and Windows" into PCs and handhelds at CES 2025. As a panelist at AMD and Lenovo’s event titled "The Future of Gaming Handhelds," Ronald hinted at Microsoft's plans to extend the Xbox experience to PCs. Following the event, The Verge interviewed Ronald to delve deeper into his initial statement.
"We’ve been innovating in the console space for a long time, and as we collaborate across the industry, our focus is on how to bring those innovations to PC and handheld gaming," Ronald explained.
Although the Xbox handheld is still under development, Ronald assured that significant changes are expected in 2025. "Our focus is on bringing these experiences to both players and developers within the broader Windows ecosystem," he stated.
With the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck dominating the handheld market, Ronald acknowledged that Windows currently faces challenges in delivering a seamless handheld experience. Microsoft aims to enhance Windows by integrating the console experience, centering the player and their game library at the core of the user experience.
Currently, Windows needs to become more controller-friendly and offer better support for devices beyond keyboards and mice. Despite these challenges, Ronald is confident in Microsoft's ability to deliver. "The Xbox operating system is built on top of Windows, so we have a lot of infrastructure from the console space that we can leverage to provide a premium gaming experience on any device," he said.
When pressed for more details about their plans, Ronald hinted at a gradual rollout, saying, "It’s going to be a journey, and you’ll see a lot of investments over time that are already starting, but we’ll have much more to share later this year." He emphasized the goal of integrating the Xbox experience into PCs, distinct from the current Windows desktop experience.
While specifics about the Xbox handheld device remain under wraps, it's clear that Microsoft is working to combine the best features of Xbox and Windows to significantly enhance the gaming experience.
Handhelds Showcased at CES 2025
As Microsoft shifts its strategy for PCs and handhelds, other electronics and gaming companies are also making significant advancements in the handheld market.
For example, Lenovo recently unveiled the SteamOS-powered Lenovo Legion GO S, marking it as the first of its kind. SteamOS, currently used in the Steam Deck, could potentially be adapted for other handheld devices following Lenovo’s announcement.
Meanwhile, a replica of the Nintendo Switch 2 has been showcased to a select few by Genki, an accessory maker. Although Nintendo has yet to release detailed information about its upcoming console, an official announcement is expected soon, as promised by President Furukawa, as the company approaches the end of its fiscal year.
With new handheld devices entering the market, Microsoft may need to accelerate its efforts to stay competitive.
