6 Compelling Reasons Why Microsoft’s Portable Xbox Could Outshine the Steam Deck

Admin

6 Compelling Reasons Why Microsoft’s Portable Xbox Could Outshine the Steam Deck

Play Old Xbox Games on PC


Geometry Wars 2

The ultimate handheld system seller.

Credit: Microsoft / Bizarre Creations

The ultimate handheld system seller.
Credit: Microsoft / Bizarre Creations

Microsoft has done a great job allowing users to play older Xbox games on new consoles. Imagine if they let us play these classic games on a Windows-based handheld! It would be a fantastic way to differentiate their gaming handheld.

Being able to download games from the Xbox 360 and even older consoles would be a major “must-have” feature for any portable Xbox. Microsoft already has an emulation layer for backward compatibility, so getting this to work on Windows should be doable. They’d also have an easier time customizing this for specific hardware.

Just think how great it would be to play Geometry Wars 2 on the go without the hassle of third-party emulators!

Different Hardware Options


Xbox Series S and X

One size does not fit all when it comes to consoles or handhelds.

Credit: Sam Machkovech

One size does not fit all when it comes to consoles or handhelds.

Credit: Sam Machkovech

Microsoft’s launch of the Xbox Series S and X showed they understand not everyone wants top-tier hardware. This approach could work for handhelds too. By offering different tiers of portable Xboxes, they could appeal to budget-conscious gamers.

Higher-end models could pack more power, while cheaper versions might be lighter and more compact, similar to the Nintendo Switch Lite. Better screen quality and size features could also attract gamers who want the best visuals.

“Made for Xbox” Program


Deck Verified

It worked for Valve, it can work for Microsoft.

Credit: Valve

It worked for Valve, it can work for Microsoft.

Credit: Valve

One great thing about console gaming is that games usually work seamlessly with your hardware. Valve’s “Deck Verified” program helps identify games that will work well on their handhelds. Microsoft could do something similar for their portable Xbox.

Creating a “Made for Xbox” program could let gamers know which games will run smoothly. This would not only help gamers but also clarify hardware capabilities across different models. If a handheld is labeled as “level 2,” it could easily play any game marked for level 2 or below.

Source link