The Future of Gaming: Xbox Handheld Launching in 2025, Next-Gen Console Set for 2027
Microsoft’s earlier hinted Xbox handheld might potentially launch in the coming year.
According to Windows Central, the tech giant is collaborating with a PC gaming manufacturer to create a branded device that will unmistakably signify “Xbox.” This handheld, currently codenamed ‘Keenan,’ is expected to run the Windows OS and Steam, and will prioritize the Microsoft Store and PC Game Pass.
Recent third-party handhelds have showcased Xbox features like Game Pass and cloud streaming. So far, Xbox has yet to boast a handheld of its own, unlike Sony’s PlayStation Portable or Vita, and Nintendo’s various consoles.
Xbox’s bold new handheld frontier
Xbox has also expressed its desire for a greater mobile presence, and one approach to achieve this could be a handheld device. Microsoft’s current motto has been “everything is an Xbox,” suggesting it may extend naturally to a physical handheld.
The next Xbox console is expected to be named Keenan, as reported by Windows Central, anticipated to arrive in 2027. Sources have informed the publication that this future hardware has been “fully approved,” and is expected to be a “premium successor” to the Xbox Series X|S.
We have seen prior hints regarding Xbox’s forthcoming hardware strategies. Leaked Microsoft documents from 2023 mentioned a next-gen “cloud hybrid” device set to launch in 2028, which is likely to be “optimized for real-time gameplay and creators.”
“AI and ML (machine learning) enablement” were also referenced in those documents, which correlate with Xbox’s recently introduced generative AI model, Muse.
Windows Central’s comprehensive report on Xbox’s alleged future plans can be found here.
About the Author
Contributing Editor, GameDeveloper.com
A native of Kansas City, MO, Justin Carter has contributed to a wide variety of websites including IGN, Polygon, and SyFy Wire. In addition to Game Developer, his writings can be found at io9 on Gizmodo. Don’t ask him about how much gum he’s chewed, as the answer will likely be more than he’s willing to admit.