A few hardware design decisions, mainly focused on ergonomics, etc. were made with direct input from the Xbox team. On the software front, this is (supposed to be) a version of Windows that has significantly stripped down background processes and improvements in terms of efficiency and standby performance. Whether this will be available for installation or remain an OEM option remains to be seen, same on how much will flow into regular Windows.
Seeing as they couldn't answer how the OS will handle running tasks after switching into and out of regular desktop modes when asked by Dave2D and Linus Sebastian, I fear that this is all far to early for anyone inside MSFT to have a proper plan as of yet if they don't have a clear answer for such key questions.
They need a direct switch 2 competitor. The catalogue of older games on Xbox gamepass is excellent and a lot of the best switch games are ports anyway.
Why would anyone buy one? Every parent in America knows their kid would hate them if they unboxed an Xbox handheld instead of the Switch 2 on Christmas. Not to mention, the Switch 2 is cheaper, easier to operate, has a library of kid-friendly and hardware-tailored games, and doesn't partner with Snoop Dogg to market the product. You're left with a small market of enthusiast and hardcore customers that probably treat your product like a novelty instead of a real competitor. It makes sense why Microsoft doesn't really care.
Xbox owners don't want one because they can already play Game Pass stuff. Their money is better spent on a Playstation or Switch. PC gamers also already have Game Pass, so if a bigger library is what they want then they should buy a Switch or Playstation too.
Ironically, if a Switch/PS5 owner wants to experience Microsoft's best exclusives, the Steam Deck is their cheapest option.
The switch target demo is parents. The kids don’t care if they play Minecraft on switch or Xbox. Pokémon and Zelda cary the console but Xbox with a pal world 2 could upset that money printer
Seeing as they couldn't answer how the OS will handle running tasks after switching into and out of regular desktop modes when asked by Dave2D and Linus Sebastian, I fear that this is all far to early for anyone inside MSFT to have a proper plan as of yet if they don't have a clear answer for such key questions.