Xbox Unveils Game-Changing Handheld Console, Challenges Steam Deck and Switch

In a surprise announcement during today’s Xbox Showcase, Microsoft officially revealed its long-rumored handheld gaming device: the Xbox Nomad. Designed to take on the likes of Valve’s Steam Deck and Nintendo’s Switch, the Xbox Nomad promises full Game Pass integration, powerful performance, and cross-platform synchronicity with Xbox Series X|S and PC.

Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, introduced the device with enthusiasm. “The Xbox Nomad is built for players who want to take the heart of the Xbox experience anywhere,” he said. “Whether it’s Game Pass AAA titles or your existing digital library, this handheld brings it all to the palm of your hand.”

Sporting a 7-inch OLED touchscreen, the Nomad combines ergonomic design with serious horsepower. Under the hood, it’s powered by a custom AMD Ryzen APU, similar to the one in the Steam Deck, but optimized for compatibility with the Xbox ecosystem. The device is capable of running modern titles like *Starfield*, *Halo Infinite*, and *Forza Horizon 5* natively, with options for cloud streaming via Xbox Cloud Gaming.

One of the standout features is Instant Sync, allowing players to pause a game mid-session on their home console and seamlessly resume on the Nomad while on the go. Xbox also confirmed that all digital purchases made through the Xbox Store will be accessible on the handheld, making it an extension rather than a separate platform.

While no firm release date was given, Microsoft said the Nomad is slated for a Q1 2025 launch. There will be two storage variants—512GB and 1TB SSD options—with pricing expected to start around $399 USD, directly undercutting some of its key competitors.

With the announcement, Microsoft has fired a clear shot across the bows of Valve and Nintendo, signaling its intent to dominate a growing sector of the gaming market. Gamers have been clamoring for a portable Xbox experience for years—and with the Nomad, it looks like Microsoft is finally ready to answer the call.