Xbox's speculated handheld system may debut in 2025 - Here's the gathered intel.
Microsoft's rumored handheld console, long speculated since early 2024, seems nearly a certainty, given the continual hints from Head of Xbox Phil Spencer. In an interview with IGN, Spencer explicitly acknowledged the need for an Xbox handheld and expressed enthusiasm about the company's future in hardware development, hinting at a potential handheld device.
The team at Xbox appears to be focusing on various forms of hardware and playstyles, which could suggests the imminent arrival of an Xbox handheld. However, recent murmurs suggest that Xbox may be working on more than one handheld device. While a dedicated handheld console remains in development, there are also whispers of a handheld gaming PC potentially underway with Asus, with the possibility of it being a redesigned ROG Ally, potentially challenging our list of the best handheld gaming PCs.
Despite the lack of official confirmation, we can make some educated guesses about the Xbox handhelds based on rumors, leaks, and interviews. According to the Xbox News Cast Podcast, the next Microsoft console may launch in 2026, with a cheaper, dockable handheld model similar to the Nintendo Switch alongside the more expensive traditional console. As for the handheld gaming PC, a 2025 release may be expected, as it was mentioned by Spencer during an iJustine interview recorded on April 4, 2025.
As for pricing, the dedicated Xbox handheld should not exceed $500, while the handheld gaming PC could be priced similarly to its competitors, ranging from $599 to $899. Devices such as the MSI Claw, Lenovo Legion Go, and Asus ROG Ally currently sit within this price range. With the launch of the Xbox Series S priced at $299, it is possible that the next-generation Xbox console could be priced between $499 and $599, with the Xbox handheld priced between $399 and $499, similar to the Switch 2.
In terms of features, Spencer has hinted that the Xbox handheld will likely have dedicated hardware, much like the Steam Deck, and emphasized the importance of local play. Any concerns about the handheld relying solely on cloud gaming can be laid to rest, as Spencer seemingly expressed a preference for locally-played games. Additionally, the Xbox handheld may feature dockable capabilities, potentially following the Nintendo Switch's lead.
The upcoming handheld gaming PC is expected to look similar to the Asus ROG Ally, with improvements to the Windows 11 operating system being made to better accommodate gamepad users. There may even be a dedicated Xbox interface for Windows 11 in the future.
In an interview with Polygon, Spencer expressed his desire for the handheld console to feel like an Xbox. He envisioned a streamlined Xbox app, optimized for smaller screens, where all games would be accessible in one central location.
It's important to note that while the ASUS/Xbox collaboration, known as Project Kennan, is confirmed for release by the end of 2025, the native Xbox handheld has been put on hold, with development postponed indefinitely. Microsoft is currently focused on optimizing Windows 11 for third-party handhelds and enhancing Xbox software layers for cross-compatibility. Despite this shift, there have been no reports of layoffs.
In conclusion, while the confirmation of an Xbox handheld is not yet official, recent rumors and leaks suggest that we can expect at least one handheld console to be released by the end of 2025, with both a dedicated handheld console and a handheld gaming PC possible. Pricing and features remain speculative at this time, with further details expected to be revealed in the coming months.
- The Xbox team seems to be working on an Xbox handheld, similar to the Nintendo Switch, as suggested by rumors and Phil Spencer's interviews.
- A handheld gaming PC under development with Asus, possibly a redesigned ROG Ally, may challenge the list of the best handheld gaming PCs, according to recent murmurs.
- Spencer has hinted that the Xbox handheld will likely have dedicated hardware like the Steam Deck, focusing on local play and potentially being dockable.
- The upcoming handheld gaming PC from Asus is expected to have improvements to the Windows 11 operating system for better gamepad compatibility and a possible dedicated Xbox interface for Windows 11.
- While Project Kennan (ASUS/Xbox collaboration) is confirmed for release by the end of 2025, the native Xbox handheld has been put on hold, with development postponed indefinitely.
