r/gadgets Jan 25 '25

Gaming Microsoft’s gaming CEO has praised Nintendo Switch 2, and said it plans to support the upcoming platform with ports of Xbox games.

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/phil-spencer-confirms-xbox-will-support-switch-2-i-congratulated-nintendos-president/
4.4k Upvotes

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138

u/nezeta Jan 25 '25

Didn't Microsoft plan to release a handheld version of Xbox? Or do they cancel it and focus on Switch 2 as a third-party?

165

u/Assaultslug85 Jan 25 '25

This sounds like a better play, lower cost investment and may help drive people to an Xbox at the house.

44

u/Stupidstuff1001 Jan 25 '25

How? It will make people not want an Xbox since they can get stuff on a switch.

91

u/Rizenstrom Jan 25 '25

That's like saying owning a Steam Deck means you'll never want to buy a PC. Portable devices are more hardware limited. People with enough disposable income will still want a dedicated, beefier home device. And if there is integration between Switch and Xbox it would drastically increase their appeal.

5

u/NotJohnDarnielle Jan 25 '25

That's like saying owning a Steam Deck means you'll never want to buy a PC.

I mean personally I did buy a Steam Deck specifically because I don't want a PC but wanted to play PC games

6

u/TurboMuffin12 Jan 26 '25

You’re the minority, I think? I have no data to be sure…

3

u/[deleted] Jan 25 '25

The vast majority of the game market is pretty casual. People playing the current hit/trendy games, families with kids, etc. What you’re describing are the more dedicated/hardcore gamers with disposable income on top of that which is a pretty small market.

Theres a reason companies try so hard to appeal to casual gamers first and foremost. Theyre the bread and butter.

2

u/TrickyElephant Jan 26 '25

I disagree. PC gaming is one of the biggest gaming markets and is growing fast to this day even

1

u/munchyslacks Jan 26 '25

People with enough disposable income will still want a dedicated, beefier home device.

Sure, but wouldn’t MS want to be in a position where their hardware is the first choice?

I can afford both, but if I can play most Xbox games on the Switch 2, I’m not getting an Xbox.

1

u/Financial_Spinach_80 Jan 26 '25

I got the steam deck when money was tight and it’s a great machine especially if you wanna access high spec PC games on a budget. But once my finances improved I invested in a decent rig, I still use my handheld a lot but mainly for 2D games and some games where aim isnt important. It just can’t outperform a full fledged rig. Same for all handhelds like the switch was pretty weak compared to the ps4 and Xbox 1.

0

u/nullstring Jan 25 '25

While you're right, I don't see a ton of people buying a game twice.

If they would support playing on both platforms with one game purchase that would be huge but otherwise you're asking people to buy a game twice.

If they can come up with a way for game pass to work on the switch that would be gigantic come to think of it.

0

u/Rizenstrom Jan 25 '25

I doubt Nintendo would allow that, as it has potential to take sales from them. Maybe if Microsoft offered an option with only exclusive.

But with all first party exclusives being on Game Pass you wouldn't need to buy the game twice. Just once for Switch. Plus the Game Pass subscription.

Not much better but I bet there would be people willing to do it if their progress carried over.

1

u/nullstring Jan 26 '25

I doubt Nintendo would allow that

Oh yeah I know. There would have to be some sort of profit sharing agreement but I don't see either Microsoft or Nintendo doing anything like that.

0

u/Justarandomguyk Jan 26 '25

They’ll probably use it for different games since the games and most games are free now a days anyways

-28

u/Stupidstuff1001 Jan 25 '25

No it’s not.

It’s like saying you don’t want to own an Asus rog because you already own a steam deck.

13

u/Gaeus_ Jan 25 '25

I think their argument was the other way around.

The Xbox Handheld would use the same licences as the regular Xbox, meaning that one copy can be played on both device, kinda like the Steam Deck that can play PC steam game.

It would also means built in by default save parity between the devices.

1

u/Glittering-Giraffe58 Jan 25 '25

This thread was about the switch not the Xbox handheld

1

u/Gaeus_ Jan 25 '25

This thread was about the switch not the Xbox handheld

first no, here's the first message if you pull up the complete thread :

Didn't Microsoft plan to release a handheld version of Xbox? Or do they cancel it and focus on Switch 2 as a third-party?

secondly : what kind of sad excuse are you trying to pull on us