"Xbox gamers can now carry Steel Battalion wherever they go, thanks to my discovery of a portable handheld device!"
In the world of gaming, innovation often comes from unexpected places. One such example is a unique gaming handheld created by James Channel, a retro console YouTuber.
James Channel, known for his creative modifications, has previously turned the Super Nintendo into a portable device. His latest project, a gaming handheld based on the original Xbox, has garnered attention for its unconventional design.
The Xbox handheld, held together by hot glue, tape, and dreams, features an OG gamepad sawed in half and a disc drive that sits in front of the user's face. The innards of the device include an old iPod dock with an LCD screen, integrated batteries, and speakers.
Despite its questionable aesthetics, the Xbox handheld demonstrates that there are always ways to modify existing hardware for new purposes. The size of the device is not specified, but it could potentially fit a Series S into a device the size of a Steam Deck OLED.
The creation of such a device could have helped keep Microsoft's proprietary hardware relevant. It also addresses the desire for an Xbox handheld that can natively run console games, rather than relying on PC ports.
However, the battery life of the Xbox handheld, powered by 2006 cells, allows for approximately ten minutes of gameplay in Halo. This is a significant drawback compared to more modern devices.
Microsoft could have potentially created a console-based handheld device using the Series S architecture. Such a device could have improved backwards compatibility with OG Xbox and 360 games. In a collaboration with the Taiwanese hardware manufacturer ASUS, Microsoft is set to release the ROG Xbox Ally handheld consoles in October 2025.
For those who already own Valve's portable, options for Steam Deck accessories and docks are available. The Asus ROG Ally, a portable PC, is available on Amazon for $489.99 (Renewed).
James Channel's Xbox handheld project is unique due to its unconventional design. While there are other attempts to create devices like this, this specific project stands out for its innovative approach. The article expresses gratitude towards James Channel for his work on the Xbox handheld.
