With devices like Valve’s Steam Deck selling well and major PC manufacturers launching Windows 11-based gaming portables this year like the ASUS Rog Ally and the upcoming Lenovo Legion Go, many are wondering if Microsoft will release its own similar device . But according to a new claim, the company has already worked on a similar product in the past, but decided not to move forward with it.
The article published on The Verge did not provide any details about when the Xbox cloud gaming handset was in development or when the company decided to kill the project. We only know that in 2021, Microsoft is working on a streaming stick-like device that can support cloud gaming and connect to a TV. But when it comes to handheld consoles, the date seems uncertain.
Since then, Microsoft hasn’t made any announcements about creating a handheld gaming PC or a cloud-streaming gaming device. One reason is that cloud gaming services are a major concern for some government regulators, such as the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority.
The CMA blocked Microsoft’s plans to acquire Activision Blizzard in April because it thought Activision Blizzard could use its games to expand its cloud gaming library and outcompete rivals. Microsoft has since submitted an amended acquisition plan to the CMA giving all of Activision Blizzard’s cloud gaming rights to Ubisoft for 15 years.
Rather than a handheld gaming PC developed by Microsoft, it’s very possible that the company will continue to help third parties like ASUS and Lenovo produce their own PCs. Time will tell whether this business plan will be adopted by PC gamers.
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