Microsoft’s Xbox Handheld Console Expected to Launch in 2026
Recent revelations suggest that Microsoft is gearing up to enter the handheld gaming market with the launch of its Xbox handheld console, slated for release in 2026.
Initial plans for the device surfaced last year through documents from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), hinting at Microsoft’s ambition to expand its gaming portfolio. While details have been scarce since then, industry insider and Windows Central’s Managing Editor Jez Corden has reignited speculation by confirming the ongoing development of the Xbox handheld.
In a recent episode of the Xbox Two Podcast, Corden emphasized Microsoft’s commitment to portable gaming, citing the growing popularity of handheld devices. However, he clarified that the Xbox handheld is still in its nascent stages, with multiple prototypes currently in development.
The emergence of a certified Xbox devkit in South Korea further fuels anticipation for the handheld’s arrival. While initially presumed to be a diskless Xbox Series X variant, its presence in South Korea suggests a potential collaboration with Samsung, hinting at innovative features or technology integration.
With the launch still nearly two years away, speculation abounds regarding the specifications of the Xbox handheld. Possibilities range from Intel’s Panther Lake or Nova Lake processors to AMD’s Zen 6 CPU and RDNA 5 iGPU. Alternatively, an Arm-based CPU like the Snapdragon X Elite could offer gaming performance while enabling portability.
Envisioned as a 1080p handheld with performance akin to the Xbox Series S and seamless integration with Xbox Game Pass, the Xbox handheld holds significant potential in the gaming market. However, it faces stiff competition from upcoming next-gen iterations of handheld devices like the Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, MSI Claw, and the perennially popular Nintendo Switch, making the landscape increasingly competitive for Microsoft’s entry.
