With the Nintendo Switch 2 just around the corner, it seems that another portable video game console could also be arriving at the end of the year with the Xbox Portable. Since June 2024, rumors (and now hints and confirmations) have been multiplying, and it seems pretty certain that Microsoft is preparing something.
Clearly, all the lights are green for an upcoming announcement and a release at the end of the year. To make sure you don't miss any news about this new console, check out our complete report to find out everything about this Xbox Portable, including the first rumors, rumors, and confirmations from Microsoft.
Of course, like most of our "Red Thread" reports, this report is a first draft and will be regularly updated over the weeks and months to add all the new information and official announcements from Microsoft.
- Date of creation of the report : April 10, 2025
- Date of update of the report: June 2, 2025
Xbox Portable: official statements from Microsoft
The starting point for this Xbox Portable dates back to June 2024, during the Summer Game Fest. It was at this point that Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft's Gaming division, hinted that Xbox should have a portable console during an interview with IGN: "I think we should have a portable console as well.".
This isn't the first time the Xbox boss has mentioned the idea of an Xbox Portable, particularly for Game Pass. But it is the first time he's made it so clear.
Subsequently, as part of Microsoft's 50th anniversary, during a new interview, this same Phil Spencer once again alluded to a portable console. When asked what he thought about the future of Microsoft and Xbox, he replied that he was very enthusiastic: "I'm very enthusiastic because we both travel and it's not always possible to take your console or desktop computer with you.".
A new allusion that no longer seems to leave much room for doubt.
Xbox Portable: statements from journalists and insiders
As for reliable and reputable journalists and industry insiders, things remain fairly calm. In November 2024, it was Jez Corden, the journalist and insider at Windows Central, who is generally very well informed about Microsoft's plans (he was the one who first announced the existence of the Xbox Series S, for example), who confirmed the information.
According to his information, which he shared during a new podcast "The Xbox Two" on Rand al Thor 19's channel, Xbox would aim to release new portable hardware by the end of 2025.
In March 2025, it was once again Jez Corden/Windows Central who confirmed that the Xbox Portable was indeed in preparation and planned for the end of the year. The console would be codenamed "Keenan", and would be produced in collaboration with Asus for the software part and in partnership with OEM, an equipment manufacturer that has already collaborated with brands such as Lenovo, ASUS and Razer for the aesthetic part. The console would resemble the Xbox Series X/S in terms of its design and shape.
Apparently, this Xbox Portable would be quite close to a ROG Ally, halfway between a console and a Windows laptop, with the Microsoft Store and PC Game Pass at the center of its ecosystem. Windows Central confirms that players should be able to install Steam on this Xbox Portable.
Still according to Jez Corden, the goal of this Xbox Portable would be to complete the Xbox Play Anywhere ecosystem with the next Xbox Prime.
Xbox Portable: finally two machines in the works?
As the months go by, we learn a little more about Microsoft's plans for its Xbox Portable. According to information from journalist Jez Corden, at Windows Central, Microsoft is preparing two portable consoles. A first, which would be expected for the end of 2025 and which would be a collaboration with Asus for a Cloud console to highlight the Game Pass.
As well as a second, entirely designed by Microsoft to be a true portable Xbox. The latter was initially expected for 2027 before being put on standby. The project is not canceled, but is no longer a priority for Microsoft which clearly wants to focus on the first Xbox Portable (planned for the end of this year) and on the Xbox Prime project.
Xbox Portable: A Release Window?
Most recent update: June 2, 2025
According to information from Jez Corden and Windows Central, Microsoft is preparing two portable Xbox consoles. The first, in collaboration with Asus, is expected to be released in late 2025. Then, a second, entirely designed by Microsoft, was planned for 2027 and is now on standby.
The release of this new portable console is expected in late 2025, without further details.
What price for this portable console?
For the moment, no information on this subject.
A real portable console? Or a Cloud Gaming accessory?
Most recent update: June 2, 2025
According to information from Jez Corden and Windows Central, Microsoft is preparing two portable Xbox consoles. The first would be made in collaboration with Asus and could be a Cloud Gaming console to promote XCloud and Game Pass. A second machine, entirely designed by Microsoft (and which is now on standby) could be a more ambitious project allowing you to play native games like on Switch 2.
According to initial information, this console would allow you to play your games natively, without using Cloud Gaming, since it would offer the Windows operating system and it would be possible to install Steam. We can therefore imagine that it will also be possible to install Xbox games.
How powerful will the Xbox Portable be?
No information yet.
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