Hold up, handheld gaming fans! It sounds like there might be a fresh contender entering the arena soon. Rumor has it that Xbox is gearing up to launch their very own handheld console later this year. The word on the street, according to a recent scoop from Windows Central, is that Microsoft is teaming up with a PC gaming company (an OEM, if you’re into the jargon) to drop a dedicated Xbox handheld, currently going by the name “Keenan.” This could be a pretty big deal, marking a serious push by Microsoft into the world of portable gaming, and putting them right up against the likes of Nintendo and Valve.
Apparently, this “Keenan” thing is going to scream ‘Xbox’ from every angle design-wise. Think familiar Xbox looks and even the proper Xbox guide button – you know, the one you’re used to. This definitely suggests Microsoft wants to build something that feels instantly familiar to Xbox fans and delivers that smooth, consistent brand experience.
Now, what’s powering this thing? Well, the buzz is that it’ll be running Windows, which is interesting. That would mean access to the Microsoft Store and the massive PC Game Pass library right out of the gate. Crucially, it sounds like they’re also planning to support other platforms, like Steam. Imagine having your entire Steam library playable on a handheld! That’s a seriously smart move and could be a huge draw for gamers who love having options and aren’t locked into just one ecosystem.
Here’s a really interesting tidbit: this Xbox handheld is apparently being talked about as a warm-up act for Microsoft’s next-gen Xbox console, which is supposedly coming in 2027. Think of the handheld as a ‘test run’ for Microsoft. It lets them see how people react, gather data, and basically get a feel for the market before they drop their big next-gen console. Releasing a handheld in 2025 and then a proper next-gen console in 2027? That shows they’re serious about both playing the short game and the long game in the hardware world.
Now, Microsoft Gaming boss Phil Spencer has dropped hints before about looking into handhelds. But previous whispers suggested it was still a ways off. This “Keenan” timeline seems way faster, which makes you wonder if something changed their minds – maybe the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 and those rumors of Sony jumping back into handhelds lit a fire under them? If Xbox actually drops a handheld, it could seriously mix things up in the portable gaming world. Imagine the Xbox ecosystem and PC Game Pass on a handheld – that’s a pretty strong contender against the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch. Plus, it shows that even with Xbox games going multi-platform, Microsoft is still invested in making their own hardware.
Okay, so details are still pretty thin on the ground, and Microsoft hasn’t officially said “yep, Keenan is real.” But when you hear it from reliable sources like Windows Central, it definitely gets the gaming juices flowing, right? If these rumors pan out, 2025 could be a game-changer for handhelds, with Xbox potentially becoming a major force. Gamers everywhere are going to be glued to their screens, waiting to see if this “Keenan” project turns into reality and what cool stuff Xbox brings to the portable party.