Microsoft is prepping a brand new handheld model of its Xbox console that might be launched later this 12 months. Meanwhile, plans are afoot to switch the present Xbox Series S and X consoles in 2027.
If you are questioning how Microsoft might be launching a handheld Xbox so quickly, effectively, based on Windows Central the gadget is being produced in cooperation with a “PC gaming OEM (suppose ASUS, Lenovo, MSI, Razer, and so on).” Reportedly, it is going to run Windows however make the Microsoft Store and PC Game Pass central options.
All of that implies this gadget might be intently associated to a handheld PC that is already obtainable, one thing akin to however no essentially the Asus ROG Ally X or Lenovo Legion Go. There’s no point out of customized silicon, so the recent favorite for the gadget might be AMD’s Strix Point APU in some type.
Windows Central claims the gadget, codenamed “Keenan” is one thing of a analysis challenge for Microsoft versus being meant as a serious cash spinner in its personal proper. It’s all a part of Microsoft’s plans to develop the Xbox ecosystem away from being tied to a slender and particular console platform.
All of this makes it sound like this new Xbox handheld may be little greater than a rebadge of an current PC handheld from one of many massive manufacturers by way of the {hardware}. So, the actual innovation could be a tweaked model of Windows with instruments for controlling facets like energy consumption and fan speeds, plus higher help for and integration of console-style management inputs, and hopefully an interface overhaul to higher help contact enter on a small-ish display.
Overall, it feels considerably akin to Valve’s plans to supply SteamOS on accomplice units, with the Lenovo Legion Go S due out in May being the primary third-party handheld to supply Valve’s OS. SteamOS, in fact, has so far been unique to Valve’s personal Steam Deck handheld. You may, due to this fact, name it a glorified Game Pass gadget.
If that is the brand new handheld coated off, what about trad’ Xbox consoles? Windows Central says new variations of these have additionally been signed off by Micrsoft CEO Satya Nadella. Reportedly, that features a new high-end console to switch the present Xbox Series X that is due out in 2027.
In phrases of {hardware} specs, no particulars are offered, although given time-frame you may count on the graphics {hardware} to be based mostly on AMD’s upcoming UDNA structure, which can observe the newest RDNA 4 know-how that is simply been launched within the scorching new Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT GPUs.
However, it is thought the brand new consoles will likely be nearer than ever to the PC in {hardware} and software program phrases, decreasing the work wanted from recreation builders to port titles between PC and console. Backwards compatibility with legacy Xbox consoles can be mentioned to be within the combine.
Anywho, it is going to actually be fascinating to see what Microsoft comes up with. The handheld gaming PC market has been a pleasant little area of interest up till now, however hasn’t actually taken off. Will that change with an Xbox-branded gadget?
The incontrovertible fact that the Steam Deck nonetheless dominates the hand-held market means that having a very handheld-optimised OS makes a distinction. So, if Microsoft can do a superb job with optimising Windows for this Xbox gadget, it might assist the broader handheld market actually take off. Watch this area.
