The potential Xbox handheld console, rumored for release in the near future, is expected to support both Xbox Play Anywhere and backwards compatibility, although official details are still scarce. Here's a breakdown of what we know so far:
Xbox Play Anywhere
Xbox Play Anywhere is a service that allows you to purchase a game once and play it on both Xbox consoles and Windows 10/11 PCs without additional cost[9]. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who own both an Xbox console and a PC, as it provides seamless access to games across platforms. If the Xbox handheld is designed to integrate with PC-based gaming, it would make sense for it to support Xbox Play Anywhere, allowing users to access their PC games on the handheld device. This would be especially appealing if the handheld is positioned as a complementary device for PC gaming[1].
Backwards Compatibility
Backwards compatibility is a crucial feature for any gaming console, allowing users to play older games on newer hardware. The Xbox Series X and Series S already support a wide range of backwards compatible games from previous Xbox generations[6]. For an Xbox handheld to be successful, it would likely need to include backwards compatibility for existing Xbox games, especially if it aims to appeal to users who have built up a library of games across different Xbox platforms[2][8]. This would ensure that users can play their existing games on the handheld, enhancing its value proposition.
Remote Play and Cloud Gaming
In addition to local play, the Xbox handheld might also support remote play and cloud gaming. Remote play would allow users to stream games from their Xbox Series X|S consoles to the handheld, while cloud gaming would enable access to a broader library of games via cloud services like Xbox Cloud Gaming[5]. This would further enhance the device's versatility and appeal to users who want to play a wide range of games on the go.
In summary, while there is no official confirmation yet, it is reasonable to expect that an Xbox handheld would support both Xbox Play Anywhere and backwards compatibility to maximize its appeal to existing Xbox users and provide a robust gaming experience.
Citations:
[1] https://www.purexbox.com/features/five-things-an-xbox-handheld-needs-to-include-when-it-releases
[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/xbox/comments/1gh3ldq/handheld_compatibility/
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox_Series_X_and_Series_S
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUERJYaMo78
[5] https://www.xbox.com/en-US/cloud-gaming/logitech-g-cloud-gaming-handheld
[6] https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/backward-compatibility
[7] https://www.reddit.com/r/xbox/comments/1j83jat/exclusive_xboxs_new_hardware_plans_begin_with_a/
[8] https://www.resetera.com/threads/windows-central-xboxs-new-hardware-plans-begin-with-a-gaming-handheld-set-for-later-this-year-with-full-next-gen-consoles-targeting-2027.1130202/
[9] https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/xbox-play-anywhere