Summary
It appears Microsoft’s upcomingXboxhandheld console may be able to natively run PlayStation games. With theXboxbrand opening up to numerous types of hardware, its highly-anticipated handheld device could expand on the software side in a major way.
The popularity of portable consoles and PCs has blown up in recent years, primarily due to the Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, and more such handheld systems. Unsurprisingly, other major platform holders like Xbox and PlayStation have almost certainly taken notice of the same and are heavily rumored to be working on their own handheld consoles. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer even hinted somewhat recently that anXbox handheld is in the works, but is likely a few years away from release.
Beyond just being a new hardware format for Xbox, though, the handheld console could bring about a revolutionary design change that would allow PlayStation games to natively run on the system. Reputable Microsoft insider Tom Warren recently tweeted a link to his report ofPlayStation purportedly developing a handheld console, where one commenter lamented the possibility of it running both Xbox and PlayStation games due to the former’s multiplatform push. In response, Warren claimed that theXbox handheld will be able to run PlayStation games, as Sony publishes its titles on PC.
Xbox’s Upcoming Handheld Console May Run Windows
Warren’s retort implies that the Xbox handheld might ditch the closed software ecosystem Microsoft usually went with for previous Xbox consoles and potentiallyrun a specialized version of Windows, basically making it ahandheld gaming PCalong the same lines as the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. Since PCs can install storefronts like Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, etc., the Xbox handheld would theoretically be able to download and run any PlayStation first-party games that are available on the platform.
Phil Spencer also reinforced this notion in a recentBloomberg interview, remarking that he wants the Xbox app experience to be improved on existing handheld PCs before Microsoft launches its own handheld device. All of these clues point to Windows potentially being the operating system of choice for theXbox handheld. If true, then it could make for a very interesting situation where PlayStation’s games natively run on hardware produced by its direct competitor. As always, though, Microsoft’s plans could change, especially for a device that won’t hit store shelves for several years.
Xbox Series X Digital
The Xbox Series X Digital is the best way yet to play Microsoft’s extensive collection of Game Pass titles. In a distinctive robot white color, Microsoft’s flagship console has the same 4K gaming capabilities and supports 120 fps gameplay. The Xbox Series X digital ships with a blazingly fast 1 TB SSD to ensure gamers have plenty of space for digital downloads. With the console, buyers receive the versatile Xbox Wireless Controller with a dedicated Share Button to boast gameplay achievements.
