Despite talk that Microsoft is planning to exit the gaming business, we at least know that an Xbox branded handheld is in the works, rumored to compete with the likes of the Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go. Could this be the device that propels Xbox out of the doldrums, or will this be another opportunity for Sony to grab the limelight?

Word of the Xbox handheld comes from the Executive Editor of Windows Central. The leak specifies that Microsoft is working with an existing PC gaming OEM, and the project is codenamed ‘Keenan'. It is unknown exactly which brand is involved, though Asus, Razer, and Lenovo were all mentioned in the leak.

What could the Xbox handheld look like?

The device is believed to follow the design language of the current Xbox line-up, which will probably involve sleek white plastic and a dedicated Xbox button. It will probably be powered by Windows, with an Xbox overlay. The question is, exactly who is this device for? Steam Deck remains the most popular handheld for portable PC gaming. The general consensus is that Windows devices like the Legion Go and the ASUS ROG Ally are hindered by the sluggishness of the OS.

Perhaps Microsoft itself can deliver a tailored version of Windows for its handheld to solve some of those issues. Even so, it is still difficult to fathom what an Xbox-branded device can offer that something like an MSI Claw or Legion Go S can't.

PS Vita 2 could

For well over a year now, there have been persistent rumours that Sony is working on its own handheld. Unlike the PS Portal, it will instead be a standalone console as a true successor to the PS Vita. The rumours have been credible enough for the likes of Bloomberg to report on them.

Where it is difficult to see what market niche an Xbox handheld could fit into, PlayStation has a host of exclusives that many gamers would love to take along with them on a train or plane away from Wi-Fi streaming signal.

Perhaps the threat of Microsoft beating them to the punch will prompt Sony to pick up the pace and release the PS Vita II that fans have been clamouring for. Or perhaps the Xbox handheld will finally solve the pesky issues with Windows handhelds, but that feels a bit unlikely despite a Microsoft VP saying it is “simplifying” the Windows ecosystem.

About the Author

Rebecca Hills-Duty

Writing and journalism experience at VRFocus, UploadVR, The Escapist, HTC, PC Gamer, Tech Radar+ and Dexerto. Can sometimes be found playing with retro tech.