A third party Xbox portable is set to go head-to-head with Nintendo (Valve/Microsoft/Metro)New rumours about Microsofts next gen plans suggests that there will be two Xbox handheld consoles and the first is aiming for a 2025 launch.For many, the idea of a next gen Xbox being released in the next year or two seems far too soon. And yet thats exactly whats been rumoured for some time now, including from a source this week who claimed that the new console would basically be a PC in a TV friendly shell.Microsoft themselves have confirmed that theyre working on a next gen console, so thats not under debate, but theyve also said that theyre making some kind of handheld Xbox device that is a few years out.The earlier rumour didnt touch on that but now the same source has claimed that rather than being far off, the new portable device is due out this year and will not be made by Microsoft themselves.According to a Windows Central report by editor Jez Corden, the unexpectedly early release is because the handheld will not be made by Microsoft but by a third party. He doesnt know who, but name drops Asus, Lenovo, MSI, Razer as potential partners.He describes the device as being Xbox branded and currently codenamed Keenan. It will apparently be unmistakably Xbox, with a guide button similar to the current controller and Xbox design sensibilities.Corden also suggests that the handheld will likely run full Windows, with immediate access to the Microsoft Store and PC Game Pass, as well as the option to install Steam.In other words just like Cordens rumours about the home console its basically a PC in a (handheld) box and seemingly very similar to Steam Deck and its competitors.Although Corden has proven to have solid contacts at Microsoft in the past its not entirely clear how much of his report is insider knowledge and how much is speculation. However, he says that Keenan will likely be a research experience for Microsoft, in part to test Windows 11 device aware capabilities, to reduce third party bloatware.Given how often Xbox boss Phil Spencer has talked about his love for handheld PC gaming devices none of this is hard to believe, with only the 2025 release date being a real surprise.However, recent data revealed that the market for such portables is far smaller than many assume, with the Steam Deck only having sold around 4 million units and its competitors far less than that.More TrendingAs such, its hard to imagine the new Xbox handheld making much of an impact, especially if its sold at a similar price and comes out within months of the hotly anticipated (and likely to be considerably cheaper) Nintendo Switch 2.Corden adds that the next gen home console Xbox will be a premium successor to the Xbox Series X and will be released alongside its own Xbox gaming handheld and several new controllers.These new consoles will supposedly be released in 2027, so ironically 2026 may be the only year that doesnt end up seeing a new console launch.Even assuming the rumours are correct though, plans do change, especially at Microsoft, and the report notes that the third party Xbox device will only be released this year, if plans are met. The Xbox Series X is getting a direct successor too (Microsoft)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralSign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy