11 Likes
Nice review. This device isn’t for me, and that’s fine - I can move on with my day and keep on playing my console games.
It does leave me just slightly wary of the degree that this device is potentially representative of Microsoft’s future console plans. If it transpires that the next Xbox is just a Windows PC, with a mildly Xbox flavored skin over it, but really still a Windows PC - then no, that is not on.
6 Likes
Those little issues, is the reason why Xbox needs to maintain it’s own hardware.
This is a good first step, but they still have a ways to go to sell it to their console user base. Once they start shipping their next Xbox.
2 Likes
Great review. As a console only player, I’m not sure what to think. Was hoping for a more console experience. Terrified of tinkering/troubleshooting. I likely won’t get this device and will wait to see how this develops within their next console/pc strategy. Then I’ll make a decision.
I wonder if they will do some kind of roadmap for the windows full screen experience. Like is this it, or are they hard at work fixing issues Jon mentioned? I’d like to know if they are like this functionality is where we are today but our short/long term goals for this ui are x, y, z.
3 Likes
Congratulations still catching up on the review.
1 Like
6 Likes
5 Likes
Great review.
This is one review that you can’t look at the number and call it a day. The reflection to it is what matters more and even then, the number is just a number. I have seen other reviews with high praise because of what they wanted out of it. It’s this kind of review that you would need to see if it can translate you. To me, I am accustomed to the flaw with previous device I have, so the pros speak more to me. All in all, solid review with reasonable pros and cons that can speak with audience who is deciding to get one or not.
5 Likes
Fantastic review. To me this sounds like a big step forward from Xbox and Microsoft in Windows PC Gaming and that’s genuinely great. Windows gaming is already one of the biggest gaming platforms and continues to be one of the fastest growing markets. It’s great that Microsoft is utilizing Xbox finally to really capitalize on it. This still seems like early adopter tech and software that will improve. I’ll be watching the future PC OEM plans and public rollout of Xbox Full screen experience. For now I’m happy on my OG Legion Go.
Now that said, this also all brings back my concerns with a “hybrid” Xbox windows PC, because what does that mean? Is it a highly optimized fork of Windows 11 (like the OG was) that will just have an updated architecture to make developing for PC and console easier? Is it the same Xbox software we’re used with more happening behind the scenes to push Xbox Play Anywhere and ecosystem unification? Is it a device that dual boots a proper Xbox OS and Windows 11? Or is it something just like this which just tries to brute force windows to play nice?
Xbox Full screen experience seems fantastic for PC and PC gamers, but it would also be a major step backwards for the existing console experience. I hope they leverage their strengths where they are strengths is all. And I expect them to. This full screen experience sounds like fantastic software for PC gaming. And heck, I really hope Microsoft learns from It and introduces more modes to windows (like a tablet mode) or they could bring back windows phone through it, who knows.
5 Likes
If anything, this could be like a prototype or beta towards to their next gen console. All they have to do is research, survey, and update accordingly.
2 Likes
Great review and shows the potential of what the Xbox/PC console hybrid can be when it releases in Fall 2026/2027 which makes me very excited. Handheld itself seems sweet but isn’t for me.
1 Like
https://x.com/jezcorden/status/1978470839403385205?s=46&t=O_AGT9SEnlptKOF_2SxtqQ
Oh damn. I was too spot on.
1 Like
The Windows 11 issues do appear mostly confined to it being a handheld though - I use a Win 11 gaming PC plugged into my TV with a controller, and adaptive UI and auto-setting graphics profiles means I’ve rarely got to tinker.
If they add to Windows as part of this hybrid the ability to control the UI with the controller - which it seems they are - then I’d not even need to use my wireless mouse and keyboard.
So anyone worried what this review means for a hybrid Xbox it’ll likely be fine - they’ll improve the handheld support in the same way they’ve adapted to scaling for 4K TVs (which works great), and Win 11 itself is already pretty polished for gaming so a few remaining improvements and they’ll have it.
All that’s needed then is the back compatibility option - which I’m guessing the PC Xbox app will eventually be updated with, I’m doubting it’ll be locked down to certain versions - where it can run / emulate past Xbox games.
1 Like
Definitely. Their next gen device needs to play the Xbox games they’re selling in their Xbox store, otherwise we’re headed for a deadend here as buyers. Like that’s the thing for me, i.e. I don’t just want a selection of streamable Xbox titles - I want my library. If that’s not possible then the Series X is literally the end of the road.
3 Likes
“How is this an answer to the Nintendo Switch 2?” “Actually, it’s very different… because this is a windows PC. You can do literally anything on it. Because it’s a windows PC.”
Glad they said it, but I know no one heard it 
3 Likes
Agree 100%. Not trying to doom but that’s a scenario where I possibly just bail out of console gaming and focus on my Series X backlog for the foreseeable future.
3 Likes
It is funny to see certain sites twist themselves into knots in order to say something negative about this device. “Windows sucks for PC gaming.” Oh, you mean the platform that 95% of Steam users are on? So you’re essentially saying that PC gaming just sucks, period? Only the 2% that are on Linux are having a good experience right now? 
3 Likes
Good, very informative review @Sikamikanico !
As for the product itself; No thanks, sounds horrible and if this is the future of Xbox, I’m done.
1 Like
Lol no doubt PC Gamer will have to find a way to bash Windows and this device as they hate both Microsoft and Xbox, without suggesting PC gaming sucks.
Although I can honestly say it doesn’t if you have the right setup, which I do trust Xbox to get right in a hybrid box with BC by next generation - this is just a first draft
Dextero headline review sure would get someone triggered to call it better than Steam Deck.