Xbox boss Phil Spencer recently got to try out Valve's new Steam Deck handheld gaming machine, and he's a fan, going on to say it runs Xbox games and xCloud proficiently.
Spencer said he recently visited Valve Software and spoke with higher-ups at the company, include Valve founder Gabe Newell, to discuss the Steam Deck. "After having mine most of the week I can say it's a really nice device," Spencer said. "Games me with on the go, screen size, controls all great. Playing Halo and [Age of Empires] feels good, xCloud works well."
Was @valvesoftware this week talking w/ Scott, Erik, Gabe about Steam Deck. After having mine most of the week I can say it's a really nice device. Games with me on the go, screen size, controls all great. Playing Halo and Age feels good, xCloud works well. Congrats SD team. pic.twitter.com/q4hWBvkk85
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) August 13, 2021
Spencer getting to try out the Steam Deck isn't necessarily foreshadowing a partnership with Valve. After all, as the head of Xbox, Spencer no doubt has a lot of friends in high places and is himself keen to keep track on the latest developments across the industry. He's also sung the praises of the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. Still, it's neat to see.
And from a business perspective, the Steam Deck could in essence become yet another way in which people can access Xbox games through a download or over streaming, which is good news for Xbox.
The Steam Deck launches this December. For more, check out GameSpot's explainer piece, Nintendo Switch Vs. Steam Deck: Which Handheld Is Right For You?
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