There's been a lot of chatter about both an Xbox Series X refresh and Xbox handheld console rumors lately. Personally, I think the handheld makes more sense given how well the Steam Deck and Switch are doing.
But then I see all these Xbox Series X refresh leaks suggesting a smaller form factor, better cooling, maybe even a disc-less version. With console price drops 2025 potentially happening, would a refresh even make financial sense for Microsoft?
What do you think is more likely to materialize first? And which would actually move the needle more for Xbox in the console gaming industry news?
Xbox handheld console rumors make a ton of sense to me. Microsoft has been all-in on Game Pass, and a handheld would be the perfect way to expand that ecosystem. Imagine being able to play Game Pass games on the go without streaming.
But an Xbox Series X refresh could also make sense if they want to compete more directly with the rumored PS5 Pro. With console price drops 2025 potentially happening, they could position a refreshed model at a similar price point to the current one.
I think the handheld would move the needle more. Xbox needs something to differentiate itself, and a well-executed handheld could do that. The Steam Deck showed there's demand for PC gaming on the go, and Xbox has a huge library through Game Pass.
A Series X refresh feels like it would just be catching up to where Sony might be going with PS5 Pro. Unless they have some really innovative features, it might not generate as much excitement.
A disc-less version would be interesting, but I worry about preservation. With all the console backward compatibility news focusing on digital libraries, what happens if services get shut down? At least with discs you own the physical media.
I do like the idea of a smaller form factor though. The current Series X is pretty big, and not everyone has space for that.
Both could happen honestly. A handheld for the portable market and a refresh for the home console market. The question is whether Microsoft has the resources to do both at once.
With all the console cloud gaming news about xCloud improvements, a handheld could be a perfect companion device. Play natively when you can, stream when you can't.