Allegedly, it’s an improved Windows experience so you get the compatibility without having to use a desktop operating system on a handheld game machine. So, you get Game Pass and kernel level anti cheat games with a UX similar to the Steam Deck (ish). And besides, “everything is an Xbox”. They don’t care how many of these things sell as long as you’re on Game Pass or buying their games.
Comment on Microsoft's Xbox Handheld: Switch-Like Dock and Multi-Platform Support
Justdaveisfine@midwest.social 3 days ago
This feels weirdly too late. I can’t imagine that many people in 2027 who passed on a Switch 1/2, SteamDeck, supposed other upcoming handhelds, or the ROG Ally and are looking for a gaming handheld with money to burn.
Xbox has to really bring something hot to the table, and its certainly not whatever they’ve been doing with their hardware/games/IPs for the past 5 years.
ampersandrew@lemmy.world 3 days ago
Fiivemacs@lemmy.ca 3 days ago
Let’s all call their bluff and buy none of them to see how much they care.
Justdaveisfine@midwest.social 3 days ago
So it’ll be the ROG Ally but ‘better’ because its less Windows than normal. Hmm.
The last part concerns me. Why am I buying into a platform that Microsoft couldn’t care less if it sells at all because they make their money from subscriptions?
People don’t want hardware that just gets abandoned when its not profitable enough, which Microsoft absolutely has a history of doing.
ampersandrew@lemmy.world 3 days ago
Every time you buy a PC, you’re buying a platform that Microsoft couldn’t care less if it sells at all, and that’s all this will be. It will be supported by Microsoft as any other Windows PC, for better or worse.
Justdaveisfine@midwest.social 3 days ago
Well a Windows license is just that: Here is a code for the OS, have fun. They don’t care because most support will be from hardware vendors.
Microsoft hardware is a different beast. You need to have parts for replacement, its got to be compatible (and stay compatible) with whatever accessories are coming out, and its got to be better than its competitors on new game launches. That last part takes coordination and support with dev teams.
Don’t care isn’t a great option, unless Microsoft wants another Windows Phone or Zune or one of the many other failed hardware launches they’ve had.
supersquirrel@sopuli.xyz 3 days ago
Allegedly
simple@lemm.ee 3 days ago
That’s like saying people won’t be interested in new laptops because they already own one. If new handhelds are more performant and power efficient, there will be demand for it.
brucethemoose@lemmy.world 3 days ago
With a Qualcomm chip though… there will be some teething issues, best case.
simple@lemm.ee 3 days ago
Well the rumored Qualcomm handheld is still two years away assuming it doesn’t get delayed. Qualcomm’s next generation of chips are expected to be alot better, and Microsoft have been improving their x86->arm translation layer lately. It’s too early to tell if a qualcomm handheld is a bad idea.
brucethemoose@lemmy.world 3 days ago
I will believe it when I see it. I hope so.
Qualcomm makes a lot of hype/noise but historically tends to overpromise, and also makes some unforced blunders.
Justdaveisfine@midwest.social 3 days ago
True, though people tend to replace laptops when they fall out of support or start having hardware issues, much less often to do an upgrade looking for more frames.
I still feel Microsoft has to bring something hot to really sway anyone over since they have a long history of competing in the mobile hardware space and fumbling it hard.