Xbox Unveils Game-Changing Handheld Console to Rival Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch

In a surprise reveal this morning, Microsoft announced the Xbox Nomad, its first dedicated handheld gaming console, igniting massive buzz across the gaming world. Designed as a direct competitor to the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch, the Nomad promises to bring the full power of Xbox gaming into players’ hands — anytime, anywhere.

The Xbox Nomad is set to launch in early 2025, with a sleek design and hardware prowess reminiscent of the Xbox Series S. Featuring an 8” OLED touchscreen, integrated controls, and a custom AMD APU optimized for gaming-on-the-go, the Nomad supports both local play and Xbox Cloud Gaming. Microsoft emphasized seamless integration with users’ existing Xbox libraries, enabling players to pick up from where they left off — whether on console, PC, or mobile.

“Our goal with the Nomad was simple,” said Xbox boss Phil Spencer during the announcement. “Deliver the full Xbox experience in a portable form without compromise. No cloud-only gimmicks, no half-step ports — just real Xbox games, anywhere you are.”

Key features include a 1TB SSD, capable of running modern titles like Starfield, Forza Horizon 5, and Halo Infinite natively. It also sports an adaptive cooling system, expandable storage via microSD, and full support for Xbox Game Pass titles and achievements. The Nomad is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled, with optional support for Xbox controllers and accessories.

Critics have praised the system’s dedication to supporting true native play, differentiating it from devices like the Logitech G Cloud and Razer Edge, which rely heavily on streaming. The Nomad enters a market that has seen handheld gaming resurging in popularity, riding on the success of the Steam Deck and the enduring appeal of the Nintendo Switch.

With the Game Pass ecosystem already established as a powerhouse, the Xbox Nomad could reshape how gamers view handheld consoles, expanding the Xbox brand far beyond the living room. Preorders are expected to open later this year, with pricing and a definitive release date to be announced at Gamescom this August.

Stay tuned to TheGamerScene.co for all the latest updates on the Nomad and what it means for the future of gaming on the move.