Xbox Planning New Gaming Handheld For This Year, Next-Gen Consoles by 2027

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Contrary to some recent rumors, I’ve just learned from an exclusive report by Jez Corden at Windows Central that the definitive blueprint for the next-gen Xbox hardware is indeed set.

According to Corden, Microsoft is developing an Xbox-themed portable gaming device, codenamed “Keenan,” which is expected to hit the market later in 2022. This device, rumored to have a distinct Xbox aesthetic, might be a collaborative effort similar to Lenovo’s SteamOS partnership with Valve. It’s possible that this device could run on the Windows operating system.

Unlike some portable devices like the Lenovo Legion Go that can support Xbox Game Pass, they additionally feature Lenovo’s custom software. This software is often seen as unnecessary and unwanted software, or ‘bloatware’. The ambition with a dedicated Windows device in a handheld format is to flawlessly replicate the PC gaming experience in a portable form factor. Devices such as the Steam Deck excel at this, but playing games from outside the Steam marketplace can still require navigating numerous obstacles.

The Next-Gen Xbox Is Currently Slated for Release in 2027

Apart from what they’ve already announced about hardware, Microsoft is planning more news on this front as well. According to Corden, instead of one new Xbox console, we might be seeing multiple next-gen models scheduled for a 2027 launch.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve just learned some exciting news straight from the source – Microsoft’s next-gen console platform following Xbox Series X|S has officially been given the green light, all the way up to CEO Satya Nadella himself!

While the specific details aren’t entirely clear yet, it seems that Microsoft is planning a high-end successor to the Xbox Series X, as well as an innovative Xbox gaming handheld and some fresh controller options. As for whether this includes new SKUs similar to the current Series X and Series S models, we’ll have to wait and see!

Microsoft’s Xbox lineup consistently prioritizes backward compatibility, a feature they first introduced with the launch of the Xbox 360. Similarly, Nintendo aims to ensure that games from the Nintendo Switch library can be played on its upcoming device, much like how they have approached compatibility since the release of the original Nintendo Switch.

As per Corden, they’re also developing a new functionality for Xbox controllers called “direct-to-cloud connectivity.” This feature aims to simplify the process of switching controllers among various devices for gamers.

I’d absolutely love this new invention, seeing as I find it quite frustrating to keep fixing my Xbox controller all the time.

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2025-03-10 21:09