Microsoft escalates Xbox Handheld speculation with a survey

The gaming media have been circling the bandwagon with the recent rumor about an Xbox handheld in the works. Though this hasn’t been the first time, the most recent rumbling can’t be ignored, especially considering it was caused by none other than Xbox’s parent, Microsoft.

According to Windows Central, several Xbox users have received a survey from Microsoft via an email, designed to gauge their interest in such a device. The survey, consisting of 28 pages that drag out to at least 7 minutes of participation, starts with the usual questions designed to gather one’s demographics (age, gender, interests, etc). Further in, however, the survey begins to ask questions about participants’ interests in handheld gaming.

The survey also asked questions concerning one’s gaming hardware preferences including which type of gaming devices were used for the past 12 months (consoles/handhelds), what OS is being run on them (Windows/Linux), and if the Xbox Game Pass membership is live during usage.

It’s from here that things begin to become more evident. the survey then asks which platforms they own (ASUS ROG, Steam Deck, and Legion Go), how much time is spent on them compared to other devices, and if Xbox Pass membership is live during their usage. The survey even encourages participants to write a short essay on their experiences with handhelds.

It’s apparent from the survey that Microsoft has strong interests in the current handheld gaming PC market. The possibility the company is preparing to enter said market was initially insinuated during an Xbox Two podcast in March. On the stream, Xbox analyst Jez Corden claimed that Microsoft is developing a new Xbox handheld device.

However, the company has yet to respond to the likelihood of such an endeavor. Until then, the media will have to fall back on third-party sources moving forward.