So, with multiple reports out there now about Xbox's 2025 handheld console, we're seeing some confusion amongst fans about what this device will actually be, and whether it will support console games. Initial reporting on the system suggests that it'll basically be an Xbox-branded ASUS ROG Ally - meaning we're talking about a portable Windows PC that focuses on existing PC titles.
It's worth saying right off the bat that Microsoft is yet to announce this system - so we can only go off reported information so far. However, with reputable sources at Windows Central and The Verge now jumping on this, we're expecting Xbox to unveil the device in the coming months.
Will Xbox's '2025' Handheld Support Console Games?
As far as we're aware from initial reporting, Microsoft's first attempt at this 'partner' handheld device will not support console games in the traditional sense. If the system is similar to something like an ROG Ally, it will support Windows PC games across a variety of storefronts such as the Microsoft Store, Steam, Epic Games Store and more.
Of course, being Xbox-branded, the device will have the Xbox logo front and centre, and will support & promote Xbox Game Pass titles across PC and Xbox Cloud Gaming. Users will also be able to access the Xbox PC App - where literally hundreds of 'Play Anywhere' titles are housed. There's a good chance that some of your digital Xbox library on console already has a PC equivalent ready to play on this new device at no extra charge!
Could Xbox Make Console Games Work On The 2025 Handheld?
As we've just touched on, it's extremely unlikely that this Microsoft / ASUS console will support Xbox console games natively at launch. However, this is expected to be an evolving project for Microsoft ahead of a more traditional console two years later - and it sounds like the team may be working to improve compatibility over time.
Back in 2024, Xbox President Sarah Bond said that she had formed a dedicated team to work on game preservation and 'forward compatibility' - could this relate to Xbox games working better on Windows? That ultimately remains to be seen, but The Verge does ponder this thought in its latest report:
"Microsoft is also working on combining Windows and Xbox in a way where there's a single store of games and an easier path for game developers to build titles than span across handhelds, console-like hardware and PC gaming rigs.
Xbox President Sarah Bond created a new team focused on game preservation and forward compatibility in early 2024, which suggests that Microsoft is working through the licensing hurdles to somehow preserve existing Xbox digital libraries for this universal library of Xbox and PC games."
Will Xbox's 2027 Handheld Support Console Games?
At the time of writing, we have less information on Microsoft's plans for 2027 - but it's been reported that the Xbox owner might be ready to launch both a traditional home console and a dedicated handheld system in two years' time.
If this second handheld system happens, we'd expect it to be more like a 'traditional' Xbox console that supports console games. If the above 2025 system launches and Microsoft continues to work on compatibility for a few years, the team could potentially get existing Xbox console games running on this new device.
How would that work exactly? Well, there's a good chance that the Xbox Series S could come into play here. If Microsoft could build a dedicated handheld device that's as powerful as the 2020 all-digital console, the 2027 handheld could feasibly be compatible with everything that works on Xbox Series S.
Of course, without more details on this 2027 device we can't know for sure - but we'd assume Microsoft sees this one as more of a proper console, and we'd certainly like it to work with Xbox Series S software as we mentioned in our recent wishlist for the system.
So, that's about all we know so far. Put it this way: if an Xbox-branded handheld launches this year, it's likely to be very similar to existing portable PC devices. However, if Microsoft then takes everything it learns from partnering on that device into a 2027 system, we may well see a much deeper integration with Xbox console software with a future handheld device.
Has this cleared things up for you? Talk to us about all of this Xbox handheld info down below.
Comments 16
I really hope this happens. I have been dreaming of the full xbox store and catalog on pc for a long time.
This makes a lot of sense. Different markets.
2025 is a portable PC with an easier to use console like interface.
2027 is a handheld Xbox. Possibly also allowing PC as that is what the whole neXtBox product line will do.
I think again the price will be the issue.
The rumours I’ve seen (and yes probably unfounded and BS) they were suggesting $5-600
If the handheld isn't full featured at launch it might just be dead in the water.
I'm personally not going to buy a device when it comes out just so I can wait for it to maybe play my games.
@themightyant 2027 is likely also PC based but maybe manufactured by themselves. and will align with next xbox being a pc basically.
makes sense, basically what valve is doing now.
2025 handheld is a testing of waters and bridge to PC.
seems like they plan to abandon console finally and just merge into PC. they need to figute out the PC xbox os and how to run our games from series consoles. maybe a simple emulation or smth for games that arent there.
these PC rumours are too persistent. The chance for SX to be last console in a traditional sense increases.
I still hope they just do all of : PC handheld, xbox-pc hybrid and SX successor as a tradtional console
Suit me perfectly. I'll be getting the 2027 model 1000% day one.
@Millionski Yes I said both. But the first seems like it will be a purely PC device, similar to a ROG Ally. Whereas the second will be Xbox/PC hybrid, which is what Xbox seems like it merging towards.
So this will just be a rog ally with an xbox advert on it, not an xbox handheld, as you can already do all of these things on an existing rog ally.
Thats a pass from me. The 2027 one is the one ill keep my eye on.
@themightyant skipping traditional console means tanking GP subs and revenues. GP core (10M subs estimated) wont exist anymore and GP revenues would be down as why pay for GPU $20 when you can pay PC GP $12?
Hence I am not sure if MS are just OK with losing money just for the sake of stopping console business whatsoever, or we will see MS doing SX successor as usual and 3rd party manufacturers doing PC-xbox hybrids (both portable and stationary).
@Weebleman its rog ally with xbox guide button, xbox buttons (X,Y,A,B) and maybe sort of OS overlay looking like xbox os but working over windows. more like a custom HUD xbox mode.
Moreover, rumours are xbox handheld in 2027 will be also pc-based but manufactured by MS themselves (hence should be more competitive at pricing).
Apparently they are trying to solve a problem so your owned xbox console games are also available on PC in one way or another (either natively or via some emulation), then working on a way to make xbox OS HUD work over windows (similar to steam os an linux where you can switch easily). then its pretty much done for consoles. clearly PC is their way but they need to make PC feel like consoles.
they will lose GP and gaming revenues though due to steam and cheaper GP on PC and free online. Seems like they dont care tho
@Millionski this year's one seems a bit of a quick fix to test the waters but it's not for me. I'd prefer a straight up xbox handheld in the vain of the vita (rip) than a reskin of one that's already out. Plus, rog ally isn't exactly cheap so I'm not sure i see the point to be honest. Feels like a bit of a cash grab until a better, refined thing comes along.
Appreciate the response though my man
@Weebleman defo a testing of waters but I would not expect MS own handheld to be xbox handheld. MOst likely it would be a PC handheld at a more competitive price and manufactured at MS. Thats my point.
All these rumours start to make perfect sense if they just want to become PC with some xbox touch.
So it’s going to be just a handheld PC with an Xbox sticker slapped on it and infected with MS bloatware. I’ll take SteamOS please.
@Millionski you’re misunderstanding what I said.
I don’t think Xbox is going to skip being an Xbox with their next console (2027) but it will be a hybrid, play both Pc games and Old Xbox games, but they will move across to a more PC architecture going forward. Game Pass will still work.
@Weebleman I think it’s that that they cater to two different markets.
This year’s device will be the PC player that wants a Rog Ally like handheld but this will have a better Ui and be more integrated with Game Pass etc.
2027 will more cater to the Console market but also start to bridge the gap between.
If so, that’s actually quite smart.
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