Xbox has been working on a handheld for years, but this week an insider claimed that they are close to revealing the product, and will possibly do so next year.
What would an Xbox handheld look like? Would they go down the more affordable route and try to contest with the Switch, or would they amp it up to handheld PC-levels, like the Steam Deck?
We don't know what form it will take, but with the Game Pass already well-established, Xbox seem poised to do great things with their handheld.
Now, the fact Xbox are working on a handheld isn't news, we've actually known about it for years at this point. But, according to an insider, we may actually get to see the product very soon.
Xbox handheld could be announced next year
During the most recent XboxTwo Podcast, host Jez Corden leaked the news that Xbox are planning to reveal their next bit of hardware in 2025. He also made it obvious that he was talking about a handheld device:
A little birdie has told me that you might see genuinely new hardware next year, maybe, of some form, for Xbox... ... I do think next year is a good year for revealing new hardware, especially hardware you can hold in the palm of your hand and use portably.
Corden has been proven correct about a few leaks in the past, and has connections within Xbox, thanks to his role as editor of Windows Central. We are therefore fairly confident in this leak, but of course, the reveal could easily be delayed, especially given the Switch 2 is set to be revealed next year as well.
What would you want from an Xbox handheld? A more expensive device that could play modern AAAs, or something more affordable designed to run less intensive games? Perhaps, they may even rely on cloud gaming, like the PS Portal (although we sincerely hope not).