Case in point: the Xbox handheld. Rumors of some kind of Microsoft-made competitor to the Game Boy have been floating around since the original Xbox launched more than 20 years ago. And for even longer, anyone who tries to step up to Nintendo on its stomping ground — including Sega, Sony, and Nokia — gets, well, stomped.

Rumors have been flying all year that Xbox is working on a PC gaming handheld. On Wednesday, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer confirmed that plans are underway, though it sounds like an actual portable device is still a few years out.

Xbox chief Phil Spencer elaborates on the often rumored Xbox handheld, as Steam Deck and Windows PC gaming devices boom in popularity.

Microsoft is exploring the handheld gaming market ... presumably like the Steam Deck or ASUS ROG Ally, Spencer confirmed that Microsoft is actively prototyping and researching the market. So, some prototypes for an Xbox handheld exist.

Microsoft CEO confirms development of handheld Xbox, still in prototype stage. (86 characters) Microsoft aims to replicate Nintendo's handheld success, learning from past failures. (85 characters) Introduction of handheld Xbox may expand market appeal,