I’m curious about the new Xbox handheld console and its compatibility with my existing Xbox game library. If I have Red Dead Redemption 2 in my Xbox Series X library, will I be able to access it on the handheld? Specifically, can I download it directly, or is the handheld more like the PS5 model? I’d love some clarity on how it works!
3 Answers
The Xbox handheld is more like a portable PC than a true Xbox console. So while it has features for device and cloud streaming, the games aren’t directly tied to your Xbox library. If RDR2 isn’t a ‘Play Anywhere’ title, you’ll have to buy it separately on PC to play it on the handheld.
Keep in mind that most Xbox games are Xbox-only. This means titles in your library won’t automatically transfer to the handheld unless they are specifically marked as Play Anywhere. If RDR2 isn’t on that list, you’ll be paying again if you want to play it on the handheld.
S-tier information here! This is exactly what I needed to understand how it works.
The new handheld runs on a customized version of Windows 11, which is great for running games that are compatible with Windows. Just make sure to check the Xbox app on your Windows PC to see which titles you can play on the handheld. If RDR2 isn’t listed as Play Anywhere, you’re out of luck unless you buy it again.
Exactly! It’s a bit of a bummer since you’ll have to manage separate purchases if it doesn’t fall under the Play Anywhere umbrella.