Xbox Handheld Keenan to launch later in 2025

The “Keenan” handheld is a codename that has been associated with an Xbox handheld device that Microsoft may be developing, though details on this are quite limited.

According to reports and leaks, “Keenan” might be a prototype or a future gaming handheld device that could potentially run Xbox games, possibly through cloud gaming (via Xbox Cloud Gaming) or streaming from an Xbox console.

While there’s been no official confirmation from Microsoft regarding the development of an official handheld console, this codename has sparked interest in the possibility of Xbox entering the handheld gaming market to compete with devices like the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck.

What Could “Keenan” Be?

• Cloud Gaming Focus: The device could possibly be designed to leverage Xbox Cloud Gaming (Game Pass Ultimate) to stream games to a portable form factor.
• Remote Play: It may also feature the ability to stream games directly from an Xbox console via Xbox Remote Play.

Keenan to launch later in 2025

Based on recent reports, Xbox has some significant hardware plans in the works, with a focus on both handheld gaming and the next generation of its consoles.

Here’s a summary of the key points:

• Xbox Handheld:

  • Xbox is reportedly working with a PC gaming OEM to release an Xbox-branded handheld device.
  • This handheld, codenamed “Keenan,” is expected to launch later in 2025.
  • It’s anticipated to run a full version of Windows, allowing users to access platforms like the Microsoft Store, PC Game Pass, and Steam.

• Next-Gen Xbox Console:

  • Microsoft is also developing a next-generation Xbox console, which is currently targeted for release in 2027.
  • This console is described as a “premium successor to the Xbox Series X.”
  • There is speculation that the next generation of Xbox will be much closer to a PC than previous iterations.
  • It is expected that the next generation of Xbox will continue the trend of backwards compatability.

• Key Trends:

  • These plans indicate Microsoft’s strategy to expand its gaming ecosystem beyond traditional consoles.
  • There is a large push to integrate the Xbox experience with the Windows PC ecosystem.
  • Microsoft is trying to meet gamers where they are, by offering many ways to play games from their ecosystem.

In essence, Xbox is pursuing a multi-faceted hardware strategy, aiming to provide gaming experiences across various devices.