Xbox's Portable Console Could Launch in 2025

According to insider reports, Microsoft is set to unveil a portable Xbox-branded console this year, with a next-generation lineup of home systems expected by 2027 — deeply integrated with the Windows ecosystem. The first step will be the release of a portable device developed in collaboration with one of the leading gaming PC manufacturers. The device, codenamed Keenan, will inherit Xbox's signature design, including the familiar logo and ergonomic feel.

Unlike the Steam Deck, this device will run on a full version of Windows 11, giving players access not only to Xbox Game Pass but also to Steam, the Epic Store, and other platforms. Sources say that Microsoft is focusing on streamlining the user experience: a simplified interface for controller-based navigation, performance tuning widgets, and minimal bloatware. This approach will not only strengthen competition with portable PCs but also serve as a testing ground for future innovations.

The biggest surprise, however, lies in the successors to the Xbox Series X/S, scheduled for release in 2027. The new consoles will closely resemble PC architecture, simplifying game porting and reducing development costs. Backward compatibility will be a key focus — Xbox, PlayStation, and even retro games will be accessible both through the cloud and locally. A standout feature will be support for third-party storefronts, including Steam and the Epic Games Store, effectively turning the console into a universal platform and blurring the lines between PC and Xbox. Additionally, Microsoft plans to introduce "smart" controllers with direct cloud connectivity, enabling seamless switching between devices.

Despite growing its user base through the Activision Blizzard acquisition, Xbox Series X/S sales have been declining. Microsoft’s response is a hybrid model: expanding to PlayStation and the mobile market while retaining loyal fans through exclusive hardware. Analysts are divided — will deeper integration with Windows be a game-changer or a risk? On one hand, it could attract more developers; on the other, it might weaken Xbox's unique identity. But Microsoft is betting on versatility as the future. Official details remain under wraps, but one thing is clear — Microsoft is preparing a revolution where cloud, AI, and cross-platform play will become the new normal. The first announcements are expected by the end of 2025.