“There is no reason to buy a handheld Xbox” — former Microsoft employee

Former member of the original Xbox team, Laura Fryer, spoke harshly about Microsoft’s new handheld console. According to her, the device has neither purpose nor uniqueness: it runs on Windows 11, uses existing internal components, and does not support console games.

The new console was officially unveiled in June. In essence, it is a slightly modified version of the ROG Ally, branded as Xbox. Fans are divided: some welcome the move towards a handheld format, while others believe Microsoft is not doing enough.

Fryer pointed out that Xbox used to be synonymous with innovation, both in hardware and software. But the new console, in her opinion, offers nothing new. It only runs games included in the Xbox Play Anywhere program, which means exclusively PC versions. Console-only titles, such as Ninja Gaiden Black or Sonic Unleashed, are simply not supported.

Essentially, the device is just a regular PC with an Xbox badge. And if a player wants portability, it is better to build a mini-PC or get a Steam Deck running Linux. 

Fryer concluded her remarks like this: 

“In reality, there is absolutely no reason to buy this console. As someone who was there at the origins of Xbox, I am disappointed. I think Xbox hardware is done.”

Video: https://youtu.be/lFG7YxFFCnY

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Cover author: Xbox. Cover source: Tech4gamers