Microsoft Is Reportedly ‘Partnering’ On An Xbox Handheld Device To Launch In 2025

But it won’t be a full-on Xbox console

by Ben Kerry Yesterday, 5:50pm

As per a new report from outlet Windows Central, Xbox is working on a handheld gaming device to launch this year – although it won’t strictly be a ‘traditional’ portable console according to the site.

Basically, WC says that it “seems” Microsoft is “working with a PC gaming OEM (think ASUS, Lenovo, MSI, Razer, etc.) on an Xbox-branded gaming handheld”. The system will apparently “look unmistakably Xbox”, featuring “an official Xbox guide button, and Xbox design sensibilities”. The report also adds that the device is “surprisingly slated for later in 2025 if plans are met”.

But, what about that proper Xbox handheld console, you say? Well, that’s reportedly in the works as well – to launch in 2027 alongside Microsoft’s Xbox Series X successor. It’s said that this 2025 Xbox-branded portable PC of sorts will be “a research experience for Microsoft” as the team works towards its next-gen hardware plans down the road.

“Our sources also indicate that Microsoft’s internal successor to the Xbox Series X|S platform has been 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, it seems these new console devices are slated for 2027.”

As is always the case with these sorts of reports, none of this is official Microsoft information at the time of posting, so it’s worth bearing that in mind before you take any of these details to the bank. Having said that, boss Phil Spencer has confirmed an Xbox handheld being ‘a few years away’, which lines up with the above quote from today’s report.

As for this Xbox-like portable PC slated for this year, well, we’ll just have to wait and see if that comes to fruition. There are already lots of similar devices on the market right now — including Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally — so maybe Microsoft is planning to add something a little more Xbox-flavoured to this handheld PC lineup in the coming months.

Thoughts on this, Xbox fans? Get in those comments down below and let us know what you think!

[source windowscentral.com]

Ben is a News Writer at Pure Xbox, and is a fan of action, racing and straight-up shootin’ in any Xbox game he can get his hands on. When he’s not clutching an Xbox controller like his life depends on it, Ben spends his time listening to music that’s far too old for him, watching football on the telly and probably eating somewhere.

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