Rumor mill: Microsoft has lengthy hinted at a handheld gaming system with out offering particular particulars. Whereas the corporate continues to refine the software program expertise for Home windows gaming handhelds (to an extent), studies battle on when an official Xbox system is likely to be launched. Trying additional forward, hypothesis persists about whether or not Microsoft’s subsequent console will even observe the standard console mannequin.
Home windows Central claims to have heard from sources that Microsoft plans to launch its long-teased handheld system earlier than the top of 2025, probably as a reference system for Home windows-based handheld gaming PCs. Nonetheless different publications dispute this declare, stating that an Xbox-branded handheld is just not anticipated to reach this yr.
Rumor is Microsoft is collaborating with a third-party producer to develop a handheld system codenamed “Keenan,” which can run Home windows – much like the Asus ROG Ally or Lenovo Legion Go. Nonetheless, not like these gadgets, it’ll characteristic an Xbox information button and incorporate Microsoft’s console design language.
This handheld would probably mark the introduction of Microsoft’s deliberate updates to the Home windows gaming UI to raised assist handheld gaming PCs.
Though gadgets just like the ROG Ally, Legion Go, and MSI Claw are technically extra highly effective than Valve’s Steam Deck, the latter stays considerably extra standard – probably attributable to its extra polished UX and console-style working system. Whereas Home windows handheld customers battle with a UI not designed for controllers or small screens, the Steam Deck boots right into a compact, user-friendly interface whereas nonetheless retaining the flexibleness of a PC.
Microsoft has repeatedly acknowledged the necessity for enchancment on this space. At CES, the corporate vaguely outlined its purpose of merging parts of Home windows and Xbox to deal with these points someday this yr. Responding to Home windows Central’s report, Tom Warren acknowledged that Keenan is just a broader initiative for PC gaming handhelds in collaboration with OEMs, not a devoted Xbox-branded handheld.
I’ve seen the report about Microsoft’s Venture Keenan, and simply to be clear there isn’t a first-party “Xbox handheld” arriving in 2025. Keenan is a part of PC gaming handheld work with OEMs, like Microsoft’s VP of Subsequent Gen advised us at CES www.theverge.com/2025/1/7/243…
– Tom Warren (@tomwarren.co.uk) March 10, 2025 at 5:09 PM
The Xbox rumor mill would not cease there, however reportedly Microsoft has absolutely permitted a next-generation Xbox console deliberate for launch in 2027.
The system, which Xbox head Phil Spencer beforehand boasted would offer the largest technical leap within the firm’s historical past, will behave extra like a PC than any prior console. It should assist backwards compatibility, and builders would require much less work to port video games between PC and Xbox.
Taken along with the plans Microsoft described at CES and Spencer’s previous feedback about bringing alternate storefronts to Xbox, studies a few extra PC-like next-generation console increase the query of whether or not it is going to be a console in any respect. If the following Xbox is basically a full-fledged Home windows-based system, it may sign an entire shift in Microsoft’s method to the online game trade.
