Rumor mill: Microsoft has lengthy hinted at a handheld gaming gadget 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 gadget could be launched. Wanting additional forward, hypothesis persists about whether or not Microsoft’s subsequent console will even comply with the normal console mannequin.
Home windows Central claims to have heard from sources that Microsoft plans to launch its long-teased handheld gadget earlier than the tip of 2025, possible as a reference gadget 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 12 months.
Rumor is Microsoft is collaborating with a third-party producer to develop a handheld gadget codenamed “Keenan,” which is able to run Home windows – just like the Asus ROG Ally or Lenovo Legion Go. Nonetheless, in contrast to these units, it is going to function an Xbox information button and incorporate Microsoft’s console design language.
This handheld would possible mark the introduction of Microsoft’s deliberate updates to the Home windows gaming UI to higher assist handheld gaming PCs.
Though units 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 – possible as a result of its extra polished UX and console-style working system. Whereas Home windows handheld customers wrestle 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 pliability of a PC.
Microsoft has repeatedly acknowledged the necessity for enchancment on this space. At CES, the corporate vaguely outlined its objective of merging components of Home windows and Xbox to deal with these points someday this 12 months. Responding to Home windows Central’s report, Tom Warren acknowledged that Keenan is solely 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 instructed 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 totally permitted a next-generation Xbox console deliberate for launch in 2027.
The gadget, 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’ll 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 will probably be a console in any respect. If the subsequent Xbox is basically a full-fledged Home windows-based system, it might sign an entire shift in Microsoft’s method to the online game business.