In a recent episode of the official Xbox podcast, Phil Spencer openly credited Nintendo’s influence on Xbox’s own new handheld ambitions. “If it weren’t for what Nintendo did with the Switch — and even before that, their legacy in handheld gaming — something like the Asus ROG Xbox Ally wouldn’t even exist,” Spencer said.
Xbox’s Phil Spencer Says Xbox ROG Ally Wouldn’t Exist Without Nintendo’s Handheld Legacy
Spencer’s comments come just days after Microsoft unveiled the Asus ROG Xbox Ally, a portable PC gaming device with deep Xbox integration. Although it isn’t technically a dedicated Xbox handheld, the device is clearly aimed at the same hybrid market Nintendo revived with the Switch in 2017 and is now evolving further with the Switch 2.
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According to Spencer, the Asus ROG Xbox Ally builds upon decades of Nintendo’s work in mobile gaming, citing “their incredible track record in this space.” He stopped short of mentioning the Switch 2 directly, but Xbox has already expressed its interest in supporting the new platform. Recent rumors even suggest that Halo: The Master Chief Collection could arrive on the system.
The acknowledgment speaks volumes. As the handheld market becomes increasingly relevant again—thanks to the Steam Deck, Switch, and now Ally—platform holders are racing to find their own place in a post-console, portable-first future. For Nintendo, the Switch 2 is no longer just a follow-up—it’s now the benchmark the rest of the industry is watching.
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It’s rare to hear Xbox give such direct credit to a competitor, but in a market where hybrid hardware is thriving, even Microsoft can’t ignore Nintendo’s legacy. Whether it’s competition or admiration, the influence is real—and the future of handheld gaming just got even more interesting.
