Microsoft Plans to Release Xbox Handheld Console: Report

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer told Bloomberg that Xbox is interested in getting into the handheld gaming market. He confirmed that Microsoft is currently working on the prototype.

“We definitely want to be in the market, and when we can find teams and technology and capability that add to what we’re trying to do in gaming at Microsoft, absolutely we will keep our heads up,” Spencer told Bloomberg.

Spencer also said that the company will focus on improving the Xbox app so it works better on existing portable devices. “Longer term, I love us building devices,” Spencer said. “And I think our team could do some real innovative work, but we want to be informed by learning and what’s happening now.”

Phil Spencer also spoke about the online store for mobile games. Earlier in May, Xbox President Sarah Bond announced the store with a release date of July. But Spencer told Bloomberg that the online gaming store "has been delayed as the group does additional research on the market."

Microsoft released Xbox games for Sony's PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. Spencer said that he is pleased with the results and added that Microsoft will do more of that.