Xbox's latest update hints at a portable console future

Microsoft plans to introduce improvements to Xbox consoles. It is currently testing a new feature that at first glance seems just a minor enhancement, but it could prove to be significantly noteworthy.

Recently, there has been widespread speculation about the next generation of Xbox consoles, including discussions about the potential launch of a portable version, dubbed the Xbox Handheld. Instead of dwelling on rumours, let's delve into the specific updates Microsoft is aiming to integrate into the existing console models.

The feature Microsoft is in the process of testing enables Xbox consoles to remember multiple Wi-Fi networks. The company has announced that users will have the capacity to store details for up to ten password-protected wireless networks. To use this feature, one must go into the settings, select the network settings option, and then choose manage wireless networks.

For the moment, this new feature is accessible only to a select group of testers. Microsoft, in a manner akin to Sony's approach with PS5 updates, opts to run tests within a confined environment before making updates available to a broader user base.

Why is such attention being paid to what appears to be a minor update? The Verge suggests that this improvement could be particularly advantageous for a portable version of the Xbox console. This suggests that the market debut of the Xbox Handheld might be imminent, despite the fact there's been no official confirmation of its existence. Nonetheless, the industry is abuzz with rumours about it.