So they're saying it'd run Windows underneath, which I'm going to assume means full regular Windows? Because if they're going to make it like a Steam Deck, they must understand one of that device's appeals is it can also function as a PC (running Linux) when you have it docked and have the desktop environment running.
In other words, for a Microsoft equivalent the OS would be Windows and using the Windows kernel, but if you're running it as a handheld the UI would be like the Xbox's and only the Windows services/utilities needed for functions equivalent to an Xbox console would be running, the others would be disabled (and re-enabled when switching to the desktop environment/full Windows environment).
FWIW, MS do cut some things out of Windows for specific devices to optimize it for those devices. At least, in theory they do
. Anyway, any Xbox handheld would still also have to work with the Xbox library of games which have distinct builds from the Windows versions, I guess they'll figure that out somehow.
It's crazy to think that Discord rumor/leak was 100% correct yet here we are...
Way more important than the device is the system software. We don't need an 'Xbox' handheld in the sense that it plays Xbox versions of games. Are they going to make Windows seamlessly work as a console? That will create interesting new options for all x86 handhelds (including the Steam Deck!) and Windows PCs. In my mind that is both the path forward for Xbox, and in a sense the end of Xbox. PC builds of games that work like console games. Full gamepad support.
I don't care at all if it sells. It'll get new games because publishers support PC. Same with Steam Deck. Valve could give up on it, and it'll still be useful to me for 10 years.
Seems like more people are starting to understand what I was saying about future gaming hardware from MS.
I mean, you're going to be paying more for these device than a typical console, that's for sure. But that's also part of the point.
Now I'm starting to wonder if Sony may consider doing what SEGA used to do, and license out PlayStation manufacturing to other hardware companies (SEGA did it with Hitachi, JVC, Victor and Samsung for the Saturn). Technically I think they already have an ASUS derivative manufacture some PS5s, but it could be interesting if they open it up to other companies who may even add some additional features like additional I/O ports/connectors and the such.
Those variant models might sell for a bit more than typical PS5s but it could also help in curbing some of the risk of manufacturing costs, potentially.
It is a good ideia exactly like Surface was
Being serious now… a MS Windows customized to a more console/handheld use with all PC games options (that includes Steam and others stores fronts) could kill Steam Deck.
But ai don’t see success in sales… maybe some 3-5 millions after some years that is very shit for a gaming device.
It is a very niche market going by Steam Deck and similar devices sales.
I think it'd do more than 5 million after a few years for sure, but it doesn't need to sell tens of dozens or millions of units like a console does.
Part of the reason being, it's in a different market, and the hardware would be sold for a profit from the get-go. Basically like how OEM PCs with Windows pre-installed are. It can get a bit tricky with a handheld because they have to be mindful of products like Steam Deck, ROG Ally etc. and be competitive in price & specs with them, but doing so would likely lead to solid sales.
They just can't half-ass the effort, that's all. But by virtue of it being a Windows-based device and from Microsoft directly, that alone gives it a better shot at matching or beating something like a Steam Deck. And if they wanted they could make a variant SKU with a partially-subsidized 1-year sub of GP Ultimate baked into it, installed and activated when the system's activated and whatever account stuff required is done (at the system set-up process).
So while the user has the option of Steam, GOG, EGS etc., they also have GP Ultimate right there and ready, and/or pre-installed games from the Windows Store. Either (more likely the former) could be a good draw to the GP service though and likely re-up the sub as the 1 year is coming to an end.
