According to Windows Central, Microsoft is working on its own gaming handheld that will be “unmistakably Xbox” and we may see it as soon as this year.

Over the past few years, we have seen reports, quotes from interviews, and potential leaks that suggest Microsoft is readying a handheld of its own.

Recently, we reported on Jason Ronald, VP of Xbox Gaming at Microsoft, mentioning that the existence of an Xbox handheld seemed inevitable, and how it would have to work to merge both Windows and Xbox into one single user experience.

A New Xbox Handheld?

The report from Windows Central says that Microsoft will be working alongside one of the bigger OEM manufacturers like Asus, Lenovo, or MSI to create a dedicated handheld of their own, codenamed “Keenan” and is set to release the device later in 2025.

Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS Version

Similar to Lenovo and Valve announcing a partnership in order for Lenovo to release the SteamOS version of their Lenovo Go S, Microsoft could work with a well-known hardware manufacturing company to help create and distribute the rumored handheld.

New and Old Ground for Xbox

This would not be Microsoft’s first foray into handheld console partnerships. In 2022, Microsoft partially teamed up with Logitech to release their Logitech G Cloud, but that device will differ heavily from the device currently being rumored.

The G Cloud relies on Android for its base system and only features Xbox integration by way of its color, button placement, and the Xbox Cloud Gaming app being predominantly featured throughout. The device is also mainly situated as a streaming handheld for those wanting to stream games from their local Xbox Series X|S to the handheld.

The report doesn’t offer much by way of any new info or potential spec drops, but it does feed the ever-growing appetite people have for more PC handhelds. Ever since Xbox became a player in the home console wars, the company has been asked about their ambitions towards creating a handheld similar to Sony with their PSP and PS Vita, and Nintendo with their long line of devices.

Microsoft may be creating a new handheld, and if the rumors are to be believed, it sounds like they may be further along in the process than once believed.

If you’d like to read the full report, which also includes news about the current development of the successor to the Xbox Series X|S, you can read it over on Windows Central.

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