Next-Gen Xbox & Handheld Console Launch Dates Revealed

A new report reveals Microsoft's ambitious plans for its video game hardware lineup. The report claims a next-generation Xbox console is slated for release in 2027, alongside an Xbox-branded handheld gaming device launching later in 2025.

Windows Central, the source of the report, details a partner PC gaming handheld codenamed "Keenan," expected for late 2025. Simultaneously, a successor to the Xbox Series X and S is reportedly in full production for a 2027 release.

While Microsoft hasn't officially commented, gaming executives have alluded to these devices in past interviews. In January, Jason Ronald, Microsoft's VP of 'Next Generation,' told The Verge about plans to integrate Xbox and Windows experiences into PC gaming handhelds produced by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Asus, Lenovo, and Razer. It's important to note that "Keenan" is distinct from a first-party Xbox handheld, which Microsoft's Phil Spencer has indicated is still years away.

The next-gen Xbox, reportedly greenlit by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, is described as a premium successor to the Xbox Series X. This console, along with a first-party Xbox handheld and new controllers, is expected to complete Microsoft's 2027 console offering. Notably, the report suggests no direct successor to the Xbox Series S is planned, perhaps indicating the handheld will fill that more affordable market segment.

Windows Central anticipates the next-gen Xbox will have a more PC-like architecture than previous models, supporting third-party storefronts such as Steam, the Epic Games Store, and GOG, while maintaining backwards compatibility.

Last year, Xbox president Sarah Bond stated Microsoft was "moving full speed ahead on our next generation hardware, focused on delivering the biggest technological leap ever in a generation."

The future of consoles is a topic of much debate. The Xbox Series X and S have faced challenges in the market, and Sony has hinted that the PlayStation 5 is nearing the midpoint of its lifecycle. While Nintendo is preparing to launch the Switch 2 later this year, concerns remain about the traditional console market's long-term viability.

Phil Spencer has acknowledged the console market's stagnant growth in recent years, characterized by a large but unchanging customer base focused on a few major titles. Last year, former Xbox executive Peter Moore even suggested Microsoft internally debated the future of consoles.

This latest report suggests Microsoft has ultimately decided that the console market still has a future, and is investing heavily in it.