The Portable Console Landscape: Where Does HP Fit?

While the portable console market sees increasing activity from major players like Acer, Asus, Lenovo, and MSI, one notable PC giant remains on the sidelines: HP. However, this might be about to change. Recent statements suggest HP is seriously considering entering the fray, but with a strategic dependence on Microsoft‘s next move.

Windows 11: The Key to HP’s Console Ambitions

According to Josephine Tan, Senior Vice President and President of the Division of Solutions for HP Games, HP’s hesitation stems from the current state of Windows. The company is waiting for a version of Windows 11 that is optimized for portable consoles. The core issue is the operating system’s overhead, which impacts performance on handheld devices.

Microsoft’s approach to Windows on portable consoles has been described as clumsy and slow. The ideal solution, according to industry observers, would be a streamlined version of Windows 11, stripped of unneeded processes to boost gaming performance. Though, if Microsoft doesn’t deliver, HP may explore choice software solutions.

SteamOS as a Viable Alternative?

With Microsoft’s progress deemed slow, HP is open to the possibility of a portable console powered by SteamOS. Valve has actively supported manufacturers looking to adopt its operating system, with Lenovo already launching SteamOS-based consoles. this poses a potential challenge to Microsoft’s dominance in the PC gaming space.

Microsoft’s Response and the Future of Portable Gaming

Microsoft is reportedly planning to launch its own portable console in 2026, featuring a heavily modified version of Windows. However, Asus might beat them to the punch, potentially releasing the first Xbox portable console as early as the end of this year.This increased competition could push Microsoft to accelerate its efforts to optimize Windows for handheld gaming devices.

If you look at Windows, I personally cost the experience.Windows does not offer the experience of lighting a portable console and remembering the last game played,as they offer it other portable consoles such as the Nintendo Switch.

Josephine Tan,Senior Vice President and President of the Division of Solutions for HP Games

The Allure and Limitations of Windows 11

Despite the appeal of SteamOS, Windows 11 remains the preferred choice for many due to its versatility. It offers access to a wider ecosystem, including various game launchers, emulators, and applications. Lenovo’s decision to release a Windows 11 variant of its Legion Go console, the Lenovo Legion 2, underscores this preference.

While publicly expressing interest in SteamOS could be a strategy to pressure Microsoft, the industry’s continued reliance on Windows 11 suggests that HP is primarily waiting for Microsoft to improve the operating system’s performance on portable devices. Ultimately, HP’s entry into the portable console market hinges on microsoft’s ability to deliver a seamless and optimized Windows experience.