Currently, there is no official Xbox handheld console announced or released by Microsoft. However, if we were to speculate on how a hypothetical Xbox handheld might compare to the Steam Deck, we could consider several factors based on existing technology and trends.
Performance and Hardware
- Steam Deck: The Steam Deck uses a custom AMD Zen 2 "Van Gogh" APU with four cores and eight threads, a base clock of 2.4 GHz, and a boost clock up to 3.5 GHz. It includes 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and comes with various storage options, including eMMC and NVMe SSDs[2][5]. The GPU is based on RDNA 2 architecture with eight compute units[8].
- Hypothetical Xbox Handheld: If Microsoft were to develop a handheld console, it might utilize a similar or more advanced APU architecture, potentially leveraging newer technologies like Zen 3 or Zen 4 for better performance and efficiency. The Xbox Series S, for example, uses a custom AMD Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU, but with more powerful specifications than the Steam Deck[4].
Portability and Display
- Steam Deck: The Steam Deck features a 7-inch, 1280 x 800 IPS display with a 60Hz refresh rate, making it suitable for portable gaming[5]. It weighs about 1.47 pounds and offers a battery life that varies significantly depending on usage, typically lasting between 5 to 8 hours for gaming[8].
- Hypothetical Xbox Handheld: A portable Xbox console would likely aim to match or surpass the Steam Deck's portability. It might include a similar or slightly larger display with potentially higher resolution or refresh rates to compete with modern handheld standards.
Gaming Library and Compatibility
- Steam Deck: The Steam Deck benefits from access to the vast Steam library, which includes thousands of PC games, many of which are optimized for the device through Steam's verification process[7]. It also supports emulation and modding, offering a wide range of gaming options beyond official titles[1].
- Hypothetical Xbox Handheld: An Xbox handheld would likely focus on Xbox's exclusive titles and the Game Pass library, which includes a wide range of games available for streaming or download. It might also support backward compatibility with older Xbox games, similar to the Xbox Series consoles.
User Experience and Controls
- Steam Deck: The Steam Deck offers a unique gaming experience with its dual trackpads, ABXY buttons, and rear buttons, which can be customized for different games. However, some users find the Steam UI and controller layout less intuitive compared to traditional consoles[1][7].
- Hypothetical Xbox Handheld: An Xbox handheld would likely incorporate a more traditional controller layout similar to the Xbox Series controllers, potentially with some adjustments for portability. It might also include features like haptic feedback and gyro controls to enhance gameplay.
Conclusion
A hypothetical Xbox handheld would need to balance performance, portability, and user experience to compete with the Steam Deck. While the Steam Deck excels in portability and game library diversity, an Xbox handheld could focus on delivering a more streamlined console experience with exclusive titles and a user-friendly interface. Ultimately, the success of either device depends on how well they cater to different gaming preferencesâportability and PC gaming versatility for the Steam Deck, versus a more traditional console experience for an Xbox handheld.
Citations:
[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/SteamDeck/comments/17cwjda/cant_decide_between_steam_deck_or_xbox_series_s/
[2] https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/steam-deck-valve-gaming-handheld
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/SteamDeck/comments/xi5h9z/steam_deck_console_comparison/
[4] https://www.eurogamer.net/digitalfoundry-2022-steam-deck-vs-xbox-series-s-how-future-proof-is-the-valve-handheld
[5] https://www.theverge.com/22950371/valve-steam-deck-review
[6] https://www.tomsguide.com/gaming/handheld-gaming/steam-deck-is-the-nintendo-switch-of-pc-gaming-handhelds-and-thats-why-its-better-than-asus-rog-ally-x
[7] https://www.pcmag.com/opinions/the-steam-deck-replaces-the-playstation-and-xbox-not-the-switch
[8] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam_Deck
[9] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqp_54roKoM
[10] https://steamdeck.komodo.jp/?lang=en