Former Xbox boss criticises Microsoft's secretive plans

"Given the new Xbox focus, HW makes no sense."
Text: Marcus Persson
Published 2025-06-04

Former Xbox and Blizzard executive Mike Ybarra does not believe it is a good idea for Microsoft to attempt to launch a handheld Xbox console. In a conversation on social media, he stated that it is an extremely peculiar move, especially considering that Microsoft now appears to be focusing more on being a publisher rather than a hardware manufacturer.

On X, Ybarra wrote:

"So many devices out there and with SteamOS on 3rd party devices now, none of this made any sense to me other than a reaction to fill some void in a HW strategy (aka: PR play).

"Given the new Xbox focus (leaving this debate outside of this particular thread), HW makes no sense. Focus on great games and building communities within them."

<social>https://x.com/Qwik/status/1928433506473885858</social>

In short, Ybarra believes that game development should be prioritised over trying to compete in an already saturated market.

Do you disagree with Ybarra, or do you think a handheld Xbox console is unnecessary?

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