Full Next-Gen Xbox Reportedly Set for 2027, Xbox-Branded Gaming Handheld Due Out Later in 2025 – IGN

Full Next-Gen Xbox Reportedly Set for 2027, Xbox-Branded Gaming Handheld Due Out Later in 2025 – IGN

🔍 Summary:

A recent report from Windows Central has revealed Microsoft’s plans to expand its gaming hardware lineup, including a next-generation Xbox console set for release in 2027 and an Xbox-branded gaming handheld expected in late 2025. The upcoming console, which has received the green light from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, is described as a premium successor to the Xbox Series X. It appears Microsoft may not develop a direct successor to the less powerful Xbox Series S, possibly positioning the new handheld to fill that niche.

The report also details a partner PC gaming handheld, codenamed Keenan, slated for a 2025 release. This device is part of Microsoft’s strategy to merge Xbox and Windows experiences, as explained by Jason Ronald, Microsoft’s VP of ‘Next Generation’. The Keenan project involves collaboration with third-party hardware manufacturers like Asus, Lenovo, and Razer, but it is distinct from the first-party Xbox handheld that Microsoft gaming chief Phil Spencer mentioned is still several years away.

Further, the next-gen Xbox is expected to resemble a PC more closely than previous models, supporting third-party storefronts such as Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG, while continuing to offer backwards compatibility.

These developments come at a time when the console market is facing challenges, with Xbox Series X and S lagging in the ‘console war’ and industry leaders questioning the future viability of traditional gaming consoles. Despite these concerns, Microsoft’s commitment to advancing its hardware suggests a strong belief in the continued relevance of consoles in the gaming industry.

📌 Source: https://www.ign.com/articles/full-next-gen-xbox-reportedly-set-for-2027-xbox-branded-gaming-handheld-due-out-later-in-2025