Poll: Should Microsoft make an Xbox Phone?

Dave W. Shanahan

With all the news coming out of Gamescom 2019 this week, one question begs an answer; Should Microsoft make an Xbox Phone? Imagine Windows 10 Mobile coming back but with ridiculous specs similar to the Asus ROG Phone 2. But instead of being another attempt at Windows Phone, you use your phone to play Xbox games. No need for game streaming to your phone from the Xbox One, just sign directly into your Xbox Live account from your phone and start playing games.

Should Microsoft make an Xbox Phone?
ASUS ROG Phone 2 (screenshot from Unbox Therapy)

An Xbox Phone is likely an idea that will never come to fruition; instead, Microsoft may look to release their own mobile gaming device similar to the Nintendo Switch. Provided the phone specifications are there, Xbox Phone would be a better choice for gamers if they want to experience Project xCloud and play Xbox games natively, without the need for using another app or mobile operating system. Don’t get me wrong, the Nintendo Switch is a great gaming platform, but I think people would love to have the regular features of a smartphone too.

Even if Windows Phone is dead, Microsoft could decide to release an Android phone with a focus on Microsoft apps. While there are endless rumors about the Surface Phone, it appears doubtful that such a phone would ever be released. Microsoft has made it clear that Windows Phone is dead, as Microsoft continues to push out their apps on Android and iOS. Microsoft wants people playing Xbox games. Microsoft keeps buying developers left and right and makes Xbox more accessible to everyone with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Xbox Play Anywhere, and Project xCloud. Microsoft makes it easier to play games on your Windows 10 PC, Xbox One, and your smartphone.

Project xCloud 

We’ve seen what Project xCloud can do on Android and iOS, but what if Microsoft could find a way to make happen with an Xbox Phone? While Microsoft already has a patented gaming controller, I believe Microsoft and Xbox could work together and quickly figure out a way to integrate its own unique controller scheme into their own phone. I think Microsoft can figure out a way to make an Xbox Phone without the need to carry around extra accessories.

As we found out with our hands-on comparison of Project xCloud, playing Xbox games on a phone is weird. Personally, I think the logical next step for Microsoft is to make an Xbox Phone. I doubt there are many people out there that want to carry a controller with them any time they want to play games on their phone using Project xCloud. What do you think? Take our poll below

Should Microsoft make an Xbox Phone? Let us know in the comments.