Steam Deck’s next big competitor could be an Xbox-branded handheld

Hadlee Simons / Android Authority TL;DR Microsoft is reportedly working on an Xbox-branded gaming handheld in partnership with a PC hardware manufacturer. The device is expected to run full Windows, giving players access to PC Game Pass, the Microsoft Store, and third-party platforms like Steam. Microsoft is also said to be developing next-generation Xbox consoles for 2027 with deeper Windows integration and new controller options. Microsoft is reportedly gearing up to enter the gaming handheld market with an Xbox-branded device, codenamed “Keenan,” set to launch as early as late 2025. This could be the tech giant’s first major step into the PC gaming handheld space, with plans for next-generation Xbox consoles also reportedly in the works. A new Windows Central report suggests that Microsoft is collaborating with a PC gaming OEM — likely a major player like ASUS, Lenovo, MSI, or Razer — to develop the handheld. Before Xbox fans get their hopes high, it’s worth mentioning that thi ... Read full article.