The era of Windows gaming handhelds is almost here—but it needs Microsoft to make it truly shine. At this year's CES, just as in previous years, we saw a growing number of compact yet powerful gaming handhelds running Windows. Devices like Acer's new 8- and 11-inch models and the Lenovo Legion Go S are among the highlights, with others from MSI and Asus already available on the market.
Lenovo’s Legion Go S is especially noteworthy, offering two versions: one running Windows, and the other equipped with Valve’s SteamOS. The SteamOS version will function similarly to Valve’s Steam Deck, which has become a beloved option for gamers. The Steam Deck is user-friendly, customizable, and has an impressive library of verified games that run smoothly, optimized for its hardware. It’s an all-in-one gaming console experience.
However, the same can’t be said for Windows-powered handhelds.
The last time I tried playing games on a Windows handheld, the experience was far from seamless. While Windows provides flexibility and allows for customization, the performance often feels inconsistent. The software skins and interfaces designed to run games are clunky and don't offer the same smooth, ready-to-use experience that SteamOS delivers.
Microsoft has acknowledged that it plans to create an Xbox gaming handheld in the future. Last year, Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, admitted that Windows handhelds should offer a more Xbox-like experience. But when will that happen? It should be now.
Microsoft has been emphasizing Xbox's ubiquitous presence in recent marketing campaigns—Xbox is available on your TV, on your phone, and more. But for some reason, Windows gaming handhelds don’t feel like they can easily become Xboxes, too. While it’s possible to play Xbox games via cloud streaming on these devices, Microsoft hasn't yet made an effort to streamline an Xbox-like experience for Windows handhelds—an optimized, easy-to-use environment with a library of verified games.
Is this a difficult task? It doesn’t seem like it. Valve has already done it with SteamOS. Despite not being a PC gamer, the Steam Deck has turned me into one, thanks to its intuitive interface and well-optimized library. Microsoft should be working to bring a similar experience to Windows handhelds, particularly as SteamOS is set to expand to other third-party hardware, including the Lenovo Legion Go S. As we head into 2025, it seems crucial for Microsoft to act before the launch of Nintendo’s more powerful Switch 2.
Perhaps Microsoft isn’t rushing to prioritize this initiative right now. With Windows, Xbox, and cloud gaming already established, maybe that’s enough for the company. But for these Windows handhelds to truly succeed, their software needs refinement, and Microsoft is the only one that can provide it. Otherwise, gamers might just opt for a SteamOS handheld, or even transform their Windows handhelds into SteamOS devices.
The hardware is here; now, it’s time for Microsoft to focus on the software. With CES wrapping up and 2025 on the horizon, I hope Microsoft takes steps sooner rather than later to bring an Xbox-centric experience to handhelds. The demand is there, and the games are already available—Microsoft just needs to make it happen. Otherwise, we may be looking at a future filled with Steam Decks instead of handheld Xbox devices.
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