Microsoft is making big moves for the future of Xbox, with a new premium console and a handheld gaming device set to arrive in 2027.
A report from WindowsCentral confirms that the next-generation Xbox hardware lineup has been fully greenlit. Microsoft is working on a high-end successor to the Xbox Series X, a handheld gaming device, and new controllers with direct-to-cloud connectivity. These controllers will let users switch seamlessly between different devices.
Next-gen Xbox consoles are expected to function more like PCs, making game development and PC ports easier than ever. Backward compatibility will also be a major feature, allowing players to access previous-generation titles.
Although the dedicated handheld system is still a couple of years away, Microsoft is preparing to introduce an Xbox-branded handheld later this year. Codenamed Keenan, this device is being developed in collaboration with a PC gaming manufacturer. It will feature Xbox’s signature guide button, a familiar design, and will likely run full Windows, offering access to the Microsoft Store and PC Game Pass.
Microsoft’s decision to release former Xbox exclusives on rival consoles has led some to question the company’s long-term hardware plans. However, this latest report makes it clear—Microsoft isn’t stepping away from console gaming anytime soon. If the new systems truly deliver the “largest technical leap” that has been teased, 2027 could be a game-changing year for Xbox fans.
