Microsoft Gaming boss Phil Spencer discusses potential Xbox handheld system

Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft Gaming, has spoken about the possibility of an Xbox handheld device and what the company's goals would be if it became a reality.

The details:

• Spencer spoke with Polygon about the popularity of handheld PCs like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally, stating that Microsoft was looking into "different hardware form factors and things that [they] could do" in the space. "What should we build that will find new players?" Spencer said. "That will allow people to play at times when they couldn't go play [in the past]?"

• The CEO went on to say that he hopes to make the experience "feel like an Xbox," even going so far as to create a list of things about the Lenovo Legion Go that don't resemble playing on an Xbox. “I brought [the Legion Go] with me to GDC. I’m on the airplane and I have this list of everything that makes it not feel like an Xbox,” the executive said. “Forget about the brand. More like: Are all of my games there? Do all my games show up with the save [files] that I want?”

• Although Spencer did not confirm whether plans for a handheld have progressed beyond ideas, it’s worth noting that it was confirmed last month that new Xbox hardware will be revealed later this year, which could be related.

More gaming news:

• Capcom has announced plans for future Dragon's Dogma 2 updates, which will include quality of life improvements for both PC and consoles.

• Bethesda has shared that The Elder Scrolls 6 is in development and that playable builds now exist.