Tuesday, March 11th 2025
Insiders Believe Xbox Handheld Launching This Year, Followed by Series X|S Successors in 2027
In an exclusive report, Windows Central has claimed that Microsoft is collaborating with an unnamed "PC gaming OEM" on an Xbox handheld console. Jez Corden has heard from several insiders; they reckon that a "later in 2025" launch is possible, if development goes smoothly enough. A leak from Winter 2024 indicated that Microsoft's gaming division was "targeting a handheld gaming experience," but Phil Spencer has freely disclosed his ambitions for his team's portable project. Last November, he confirmed that something was in pipeline—with a view to take on very visible competition: Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. The latest Windows Central investigative piece divulges some unprecedented details about: "codename 'Keenan,' this gaming handheld will look unmistakably 'Xbox' we're told, complete with an official Xbox guide button, and Xbox design sensibilities. Given that this is a partner device, similar to Lenovo's SteamOS partnership with Valve, I expect this handheld to be more PC-oriented. Keenan is almost definitely running full Windows, putting the Microsoft Store and PC Game Pass front and center, alongside the ability to install things like Steam."
Based on inside track knowledge, Corden anticipates operating system innovations: "I expect the handheld will test new Windows 11 'device aware' capabilities, while reducing third-party OEM bloatware that are typical of devices like the Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally. I expect Microsoft will leverage widgets on the Xbox Game Bar on PC for controlling things like TDP and fan speed, while hopefully having a more streamlined OS experience for controller use. Of course, existing PC gaming OEMs will benefit from these efforts as well—but the research will also help with Microsoft's further-out plans." Almost a month and a half ago, Spencer outlined a sort of wishlist for "innovative" future Xbox hardware—given that Sony is rumored to be devising a "standalone PlayStation handheld," he was likely envisioning next-gen home consoles. Windows Central's sources have provided additional insights into potential Xbox Series X|S successors.
Corden's report headed into murkier territory, but the notorious leaker reckons that the unnamed project is: "fully greenlit all the way up to CEO Satya Nadella. For now, I understand that Microsoft's next-gen hardware plans include a premium successor to the powerful Xbox Series X, alongside its own Xbox gaming handheld, and several new controller options. Tentatively, these new console devices are slated for 2027." Last year, company leadership confirmed that new systems were under development—assuaging fears of Xbox consoles becoming footnotes in history. As covered by noted media outlets, Microsoft's gaming division could face a difficult future landscape with next-gen hardware offerings. Many believe that the brand has become diluted due to an overly ambitious multi-platform release strategy. In recent times, Xbox has largely dropped its exclusivity model—with first party-developed titles heading to rival systems (PlayStation, Switch etc.).
Sources:
Windows Central, Eurogamer
Based on inside track knowledge, Corden anticipates operating system innovations: "I expect the handheld will test new Windows 11 'device aware' capabilities, while reducing third-party OEM bloatware that are typical of devices like the Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally. I expect Microsoft will leverage widgets on the Xbox Game Bar on PC for controlling things like TDP and fan speed, while hopefully having a more streamlined OS experience for controller use. Of course, existing PC gaming OEMs will benefit from these efforts as well—but the research will also help with Microsoft's further-out plans." Almost a month and a half ago, Spencer outlined a sort of wishlist for "innovative" future Xbox hardware—given that Sony is rumored to be devising a "standalone PlayStation handheld," he was likely envisioning next-gen home consoles. Windows Central's sources have provided additional insights into potential Xbox Series X|S successors.
6 Comments on Insiders Believe Xbox Handheld Launching This Year, Followed by Series X|S Successors in 2027
I'm sure Microsoft will succeed where Nintendo has failed multiple times. I'm equally sure that consumers who are used to playing games on their smartphones, will rush to buy yet another device they have to lug around and remember to charge and lose in airports. I literally cannot imagine who would not want to play games on a screen the size of a postage stamp.
The above is all sarcasm, of course; Microsoft has apparently forgotten that Xbox is about games and hardware is simply a means to that end.
Also Steam Deck or other handheld users, literally nobody cares about the fact that you think a handheld PC is the best thing since sliced bread when it is in fact the exact opposite. Whatever opinion on handhelds you have and want to share, it is wrong and nobody wants to hear it. Go away and stop wasting everyone's time.
Truly, a 200IQ jeenius business move.Devils advocate: the Switch is on track to outsell the PS2 and become the single best selling console ever. Of all time.
So clearly being a portable isnt the issue here.Remind me who wanted your opinion on others opinion?
Steam Deck may be sufficient for such needs but it's bulkier, it's heavier, and not exactly easy to tinker on.
And the trend right now is that most western games sucks, while asians games do better overall. The switch and it's japan made games is the reigning champion in Japan, a country that still very much cares a lot about their domestic market. to this day Japan still get priority releases, or plain national exclusivity. The other great thing is that their games have a lower dev cost, so unlike the west they don't have to sell as much to be profitable. Dev cost was the reason that playstation couldn't make the vita a sucess, that console was actually too ambitious, handheld gaming need to be relatively low cost.
Nintendo is doing fine. Xbox doing an handheld though ? Good luck to them.