Xbox releasing new console this year, brace yourselves

It seems Microsoft could very well be launching a new console this year, as momentum picks up on their rumoured handheld hardware.

Microsoft has changed their focus on Xbox hardware in recent months, broadening their horizons, and shifting marketing tactics.

The Xbox Series consoles could soon be joined by a handheld

According to Jez Corden of Windows Central, the company is working on a PC handheld, under the Xbox branding, codenamed ‘Keenan.’

Corden explains that he’s had an exclusive scoop, with the handheld set to debut this year.

“This gaming handheld will look unmistakably "Xbox" we're told, complete with an official Xbox guide button, and Xbox design sensibilities,” the article details.

Given that this will be a Microsoft branded console, it’s certain to run Windows, which means access to many digital stores, and it’s likely to run Steam, too.

With the new focus from Xbox being on Xbox Game Pass, and compatibility with other platforms, this doesn’t seem like a surprising move.

Players will be able to access the Xbox store, and its PC equivalent, along with third-party stores that will be accessed through the Windows operating system, and web browser.

No official word has come from the company themselves, but the information Corden has, seems pretty legit, at this point.

An Xbox handheld would certainly shake up the market, giving the Nintendo Switch 2 another strong competitor.

Corden further explains his thoughts on the console, saying, “I expect Microsoft will leverage widgets on the Xbox Game Bar on PC for controlling things like TDP and fan speed, while hopefully having a more streamlined OS experience for controller use.”

This is speculation, though it’s not out of the realms of possibility, seeing as many companies are entering the handheld PC space and looking to each other for features.

This move from Microsoft would mean the company is creating itself a full ecosystem, ranging across PC, home consoles, and now portable gaming.