Gaming on the Go: Is an Xbox Handheld Coming Soon? Let's Unpack the Rumors
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Gear up, gamers! The gaming world is buzzing with whispers of an Xbox handheld device, and we're diving in to break it down for you. The excitement began back in the rumor mills, but what does the latest information reveal?
If you've heard about Microsoft's secret project named "Keenan", you're right on the pulse. The Verge was the first to drop the news, stating that Microsoft is working on a handheld device with a strong Xbox connection, running on Windows 11. With plans to support Xbox games and access platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store, expect an Xbox-like interface that's optimized for both touch and classic controller input.
2025: A Possible Launch Year, but the Hardware Remains a Mystery
A release date? Let's talk timelines: Several sources suggest that the Xbox handheld could hit stores by the end of 2025. Bloomberg reported that Microsoft is eyeing the holiday shopping season as a prime opportunity to compete with the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 launch, also rumored for late 2025.
But what about the hardware? Valve's OLED Steam Deck has raised the bar high with its ability to run demanding games on a PC and stream them on the handheld. Given the Xbox ecosystem, it's only logical Microsoft would want to mimic this for their device [1].
Xbox and Windows: A Strategic Gaming Partnership
Microsoft seems to be on a mission to integrate Xbox and Windows platforms, with the new handheld being just the beginning [2]. The strategic shift is further evident in the imminent (2027) Xbox generation, which may reportedly be based on Windows, making it easier for game developers to port PC titles to consoles and unifying the gaming experience for users.
However, no official word from Microsoft has been given regarding the Xbox handheld's 2025 release, so it's still a wait-and-see scenario [1][2]. Keep your fingers crossed, and watch this space for more updates!
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[1] Microsoft's upcoming Xbox handheld is a joint venture between the tech giant and a major PC gaming OEM such as ASUS, Lenovo, or Razer.[2] The Keenan device boasts an Xbox design aesthetic, featuring an official Xbox guide button, promising a familiar gaming experience.[3] Keenan is not intended to be a first-party Xbox console but rather a partner device serving as a testing ground for new Windows features and a reduction of bloatware.[4] While Microsoft has remained tight-lipped about specifications, price, and release date of the device, initial indications are promising, with potential to challenge Nintendo's dominance in the portable gaming market.
- The Xbox handheld, codenamed "Keenan," is reportedly being developed by Microsoft, with rumors suggesting it will run on Windows 11 and feature an Xbox-like interface, supporting touch and classic controller input.
- The expected release of the Xbox handheld is said to be towards the end of 2025, as several sources, including Bloomberg, have suggested this timeline in an effort to compete with the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 launch.
- With the potential launch of the Xbox handheld in 2025, Microsoft is rumored to be integrating Xbox and Windows platforms further, as part of a strategic gaming partnership that may also extend to the next Xbox generation, which is predicted to be based on Windows.
