Xbox are making a handheld – sort of, more on that in a bit – and it’ll launch this year. Every game shown during this evening’s Xbox Games Showcase will also be playable on it, we’re told. That includes Hollow Knight: Silksong when it releases, which was shown repeatedly during the handheld’s trailer, which you’ll find below.
I say Xbox are “sort of” making a handheld, because this is an Asus device in line with their existing ROG Ally handhelds. In fact, it’s called the ROG Xbox Ally. A real Xbox sandwich, that name. Given that all these handhelds are just PCs, it makes sense that Microsoft would partner with third-party developers on it rather than trying to reinvent the machine, although it does dent my excitement somewhat.
We’ve known this has been coming for a while, both because Phil Spencer has been open in interviews about their intent to release a handheld, and also because images of it have leaked repeatedly. It’s nice to know that it’s real. James speculated that Microsoft might show it at their June showcase – they did! – and also wondered if they might address the BDS calls for a boycott of Microsoft and Xbox gaming products. Fat chance.
I already have a Steam Deck (and a Switch, Switch OLED and Switch 2), so probably I’m all set for handhelds, thanks. I’m sure James will have more to say about the device in due course when it launches later this year in “holiday 2025”.