Microsoft’s VP of ‘Next Generation’ says changes are coming this year.
For months, Xbox chief Phil Spencer has been hinting at the idea of an Xbox handheld. However, Microsoft’s ambitions go beyond just creating a dedicated handheld device. In a significant move for gamers, Microsoft is gearing up to revolutionize the Windows handheld gaming experience. According to Jason Ronald, Microsoft’s VP of “Next Generation,” changes are coming sooner than expected—within this calendar year.
Ronald recently participated in a roundtable discussion at an AMD and Lenovo event titled “The Future of Gaming Handhelds.” While the event served as the debut for Lenovo’s Legion Go S handheld, Ronald provided a glimpse into Microsoft’s vision for the future. Instead of building an entirely new Xbox handheld device, Microsoft is focused on bringing the best of the Xbox experience to Windows PCs and handhelds.
A Unified Gaming Ecosystem
“We’ve been innovating in the console space for years,” Ronald said, “and as we partner across the industry, it’s really about how we bring those innovations that we’ve developed in the console space to PCs and the handheld gaming space.”
The idea isn’t just about creating compatibility; it’s about unifying the best elements of Xbox and Windows into one seamless experience. Ronald confirmed that Microsoft’s efforts are aimed at making Windows handheld gaming more intuitive and player-focused, with significant advancements to be unveiled before the end of the year.
Rather than locking world-class features within the Xbox ecosystem, Microsoft is aiming to bridge the gap by integrating those features into Windows, making gaming more accessible and enjoyable for both players and developers.
Addressing Windows’ Handheld Shortcomings
Currently, the Windows experience on handheld devices leaves much to be desired. Many users even opt for community-developed forks of Valve’s SteamOS for a smoother and more gaming-focused interface. Ronald openly acknowledged these shortcomings, stating, “We’re focused on really simplifying that and making it much more like a console experience. Our goal is to put the player and their library at the center of the experience and not all the [Windows] work that you have to do today.”
Microsoft’s efforts to improve handheld gaming on Windows include compact modes for Xbox apps. However, these tweaks often feel like temporary fixes rather than holistic solutions. Ronald hinted that Microsoft is working on deeper integrations to streamline the gaming experience, moving beyond surface-level adjustments. “We’ll have a lot more to share later this year,” he teased.
Reimagining Windows for Gaming
Rather than porting a custom Xbox operating system to Windows, Microsoft’s strategy involves making Windows itself a better platform for gaming, with Xbox experiences layered on top. This approach would allow Microsoft to maintain Windows’ versatility while delivering a gaming-first interface that hides the complexities of traditional desktop elements like the taskbar and Start menu.
“At the end of the day, our goal is to make Windows great for gaming on any device,” Ronald explained. “The reality is the Xbox operating system is built on top of Windows. So there’s a lot of infrastructure we’ve developed in the console space that we can bring to the PC space to deliver a premium gaming experience on any device.”
One of the key challenges Microsoft is addressing is optimizing Windows for controller-based interactions. Traditional Windows features like the taskbar and desktop notifications are not designed for thumbsticks, joypads, or touchscreen inputs. Ronald emphasized the need for “fundamental interaction models” that make the experience feel native to gaming-centric devices.
A Console-Like Experience
The ultimate goal, Ronald said, is to put an Xbox experience at the heart of Windows handheld gaming—not the traditional Windows desktop interface. By focusing on the player’s library and simplifying the interface, Microsoft aims to create a user experience that mirrors the simplicity and functionality of a console.
For gamers, this means less time navigating clunky menus and more time diving straight into their favorite titles. Developers will also benefit from the streamlined experience, making it easier to build and optimize games for Windows handheld devices.
What’s Next?
With the gaming industry’s rapid shift toward portable devices, Microsoft’s strategy is well-timed. The company’s decision to enhance Windows for gaming handhelds rather than rushing an Xbox handheld to market shows a commitment to leveraging its existing strengths. By building on the foundations of both Xbox and Windows, Microsoft aims to set a new standard for handheld gaming experiences.
As Jason Ronald pointed out, “This is going to be a journey.” While we’ll see significant changes roll out this year, Microsoft’s investments in handheld gaming are likely to continue evolving. If successful, this initiative could redefine what it means to game on the go, uniting the best of Xbox and Windows into a single cohesive experience.
Stay tuned for more updates as Microsoft prepares to unveil its vision for the future of gaming.
