The first portable Xbox will be a reality in 2025. After years of rumors about this device, Microsoft seems to be finally prepared to make the light see.
Microsoft is reportedly working on its first portable Xbox console, with a planned release in late 2025. Codenamed “Keenan,” the device is being developed in collaboration with PC gaming manufacturers and is designed to compete with popular handheld consoles like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck.
This upcoming Xbox handheld is expected to run a full version of Windows, giving players access to Microsoft services like the Microsoft Store and PC Game Pass. To maintain the signature Xbox experience, the device will include familiar design elements, such as the official guide button, ensuring a seamless transition for existing Xbox players.
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The portable Xbox that would reach the end of 2025
According to a detailed report by Jez Corden from Windows Central, Microsoft is gearing up to launch a new portable Xbox in partnership with a gaming-focused manufacturer. This handheld console is set to compete with high-end devices like the Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam Deck.
While the exact manufacturer hasn’t been confirmed, the device is expected to be built by a specialized gaming brand such as Asus, Lenovo, MSI, or Razer. Despite being produced by a third party, the console will feature strong Xbox branding, incorporating signature design elements, Xbox software integration, and familiar button layouts, ensuring it feels like a true part of the Xbox ecosystem.
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In addition to this major reveal, Jez Corden also reports that Satya Nadella has approved the development of the next-generation Xbox, which is expected to launch in 2027, barring any unexpected delays.
As for the new portable Xbox, it will reportedly run a standard version of Windows, which may disappoint some. Microsoft had been working on a lighter, more fluid, and small-screen-friendly version of Windows for its gaming devices, but it seems that this optimized version isn’t ready yet, and development is still ongoing.
Despite past rumors suggesting otherwise, it’s exciting to see that Xbox remains committed to hardware, even expanding its lineup with a new form factor. Whether this handheld console will carve out a space in the increasingly competitive portable gaming market remains to be seen, but it’s certainly a bold move by Microsoft.
