Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, has been vocal about his interest in creating an Xbox-branded handheld gaming device. In 2024, he shared with Polygon that he couldn’t stop thinking about the possibility of such a product.
However, while Spencer acknowledged the potential for a handheld device, he also emphasized that it wouldn’t materialize in the immediate future. By the end of the year, he indicated to Bloomberg that Microsoft was indeed exploring this idea, but any release would likely be several years away.
Microsoft’s 2025 Handheld Device: A Collaborative Effort with Partner, Not Solely In-House
Recent reports suggest that Microsoft’s handheld device plans may be moving faster than initially anticipated. According to Windows Central, the company is working on a handheld device set to release in 2025, contingent on the development process proceeding as expected.
Unlike other rumored devices, this handheld will not be created solely by Microsoft. Instead, it will be a partnership with another company, following a model similar to Valve’s collaboration with Lenovo for the SteamOS-powered Legion Go S. This move signals a significant step toward Microsoft’s expansion into portable gaming.
Microsoft’s Xbox Handheld Reportedly Set for 2025 Launch in Partnership With Another ManufacturerThe device being prepared for a 2025 launch is reported to be codenamed “Keenan.” It is expected to have a distinct Xbox aesthetic, incorporating familiar design elements such as the Xbox Guide button and the overall look associated with the brand. However, details on the hardware specifications and functionality remain limited.
The device’s design could potentially be based on existing models from other manufacturers, such as the ASUS ROG Ally or Lenovo Legion Go, but there is still much uncertainty regarding its unique features and potential to stand out in the portable gaming market.
Microsoft’s Longer-Term Vision for a Proprietary Handheld
Though the 2025 device will be developed with a partner, Microsoft’s long-term strategy includes creating its own proprietary handheld. This device is expected to be part of the company’s next-generation gaming plans, alongside the successor to the Xbox Series X, slated for release around 2027.
This indicates that Microsoft’s handheld aspirations go beyond a short-term product and are aligned with the company’s vision for future gaming hardware. The 2027 device is expected to be a significant leap forward and could become a cornerstone of the next era of Xbox gaming.
Phil Spencer has made it clear that whatever handheld devices Microsoft develops, they will strive to capture the essence of Xbox gaming. In previous statements, Spencer expressed his desire for third-party handheld devices, like the Lenovo Legion Go, to feel more like an Xbox experience.
He even took the device to GDC, noting areas where it fell short of this goal. Spencer’s comments suggest that the upcoming Xbox handheld, whether produced by Microsoft directly or through a partner, will prioritize delivering a seamless and familiar Xbox experience for gamers, particularly in terms of game access and progress synchronization.
