Xbox handheld console: Reports, rumors, and possible release timeline

Microsoft may be bringing Xbox to a handheld device soon. The idea of an Xbox handheld has been teased and briefly mentioned by Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer for months. Speculation began in 2024 when Spencer touched on the possibility of Microsoft working on an Xbox handheld. The success of Valve’s Steam Deck showed that a handheld gaming device could thrive outside of Nintendo, which has dominated the handheld space for decades with systems like the Game Boy, Nintendo DS and, more recently, the Nintendo Switch. Now, with more companies entering the handheld market, including Sony with the hybrid PlayStation Portal, it looks like Microsoft is ready to make its own attempt. Xbox’s handheld device is confirmed The Xbox handheld is not just a rumor—it’s real. Phil Spencer confirmed in November 2024 that Microsoft is actively working on an Xbox handheld device, ensuring integration with Windows and Xbox Game Pass. This came months after Spencer first hinted at the idea during an interview in June 2024, where he mentioned that a handheld Xbox was something worth exploring. Now, it’s clear that development is underway. Phil Spencer talking on the Xbox podcast. Screenshot via Destructoid. While it’s already possible to play Xbox Game Pass titles on the Steam Deck, Spencer seems to be referring to a full-fledged console, something like the Nintendo Switch, where players can buy and play offline games, not just stream through the cloud. A cloud-only handheld wouldn’t be a major advantage, as players can already set some things up to access the Xbox Game Pass on devices like the Steam Deck. Xbox’s handheld is not a Series X|S successor Despite the excitement, reports indicate that Microsoft's handheld device, codenamed "Keenan", will not replace the Xbox Series X|S. It won’t be the next-generation Xbox, and its release won’t make the Series X or S obsolete. In fact, an actual successor to the Xbox Series X|S is reportedly scheduled for a 2027 release, according to Windows Central. Xbox handheld could launch in 2025 Until then, it looks like Microsoft’s handheld console is set for a 2025 release, according to reports, though no exact date has been announced. Xbox has traditionally released its consoles in November. With the Nintendo Switch 2 set to launch in 2025 as a direct competitor to Xbox’s handheld, Microsoft may time its release to avoid going head-to-head with Nintendo’s next console. It’s still unclear whether the handheld will simply play existing Xbox Series X|S games, if it will have exclusive titles, or how development will be structured. But as Microsoft moves forward, we’ll likely learn more soon. The post Xbox handheld console: Reports, rumors, and possible release timeline appeared first on Destructoid.

Mar 11, 2025 - 18:01

Xbox handheld console: Reports, rumors, and possible release timeline

Microsoft may be bringing Xbox to a handheld device soon. The idea of an Xbox handheld has been teased and briefly mentioned by Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer for months.

Speculation began in 2024 when Spencer touched on the possibility of Microsoft working on an Xbox handheld. The success of Valve’s Steam Deck showed that a handheld gaming device could thrive outside of Nintendo, which has dominated the handheld space for decades with systems like the Game Boy, Nintendo DS and, more recently, the Nintendo Switch.

Now, with more companies entering the handheld market, including Sony with the hybrid PlayStation Portal, it looks like Microsoft is ready to make its own attempt.

Xbox’s handheld device is confirmed

The Xbox handheld is not just a rumor—it’s real. Phil Spencer confirmed in November 2024 that Microsoft is actively working on an Xbox handheld device, ensuring integration with Windows and Xbox Game Pass.

This came months after Spencer first hinted at the idea during an interview in June 2024, where he mentioned that a handheld Xbox was something worth exploring. Now, it’s clear that development is underway.

Phil Spencer talking on the Xbox podcast. Screenshot via Destructoid.

While it’s already possible to play Xbox Game Pass titles on the Steam Deck, Spencer seems to be referring to a full-fledged console, something like the Nintendo Switch, where players can buy and play offline games, not just stream through the cloud.

A cloud-only handheld wouldn’t be a major advantage, as players can already set some things up to access the Xbox Game Pass on devices like the Steam Deck.

Xbox’s handheld is not a Series X|S successor

Despite the excitement, reports indicate that Microsoft's handheld device, codenamed "Keenan", will not replace the Xbox Series X|S. It won’t be the next-generation Xbox, and its release won’t make the Series X or S obsolete.

In fact, an actual successor to the Xbox Series X|S is reportedly scheduled for a 2027 release, according to Windows Central.

Xbox handheld could launch in 2025

Until then, it looks like Microsoft’s handheld console is set for a 2025 release, according to reports, though no exact date has been announced.

Xbox has traditionally released its consoles in November. With the Nintendo Switch 2 set to launch in 2025 as a direct competitor to Xbox’s handheld, Microsoft may time its release to avoid going head-to-head with Nintendo’s next console.

It’s still unclear whether the handheld will simply play existing Xbox Series X|S games, if it will have exclusive titles, or how development will be structured. But as Microsoft moves forward, we’ll likely learn more soon.

The post Xbox handheld console: Reports, rumors, and possible release timeline appeared first on Destructoid.