The Next Xbox Console Generation Could Include A Handheld - Report

The next generation of Xbox consoles reportedly could include both a console and a handheld.

According to Windows Central, Microsoft is taking another two-pronged approach to the Xbox hardware market like it did with the Series X and S. The plan is reportedly to have a traditional-style successor to the Series X, as well as a handheld gaming option similar to that of the Steam Deck.

It's currently unclear what this approach would end up looking like, but if the handheld anything like the Steam Deck, players will likely be able to play their digital purchases and bounce between the handheld and console. There likely won't be a separate ecosystem like the 3DS and Wii U or Vita and PS3. There's also the possibility that it could look more like a Switch and have both the console and handheld components work together.

Separately from this report, Microsoft also confirmed that it has plans to celebrate both Xbox and Halo's 25th anniversaries, which are landing in 2026. This current generation has been a strange one. Developers are still making games for last generation's consoles, and the backlash against the PS5 Pro's price puts the traditional console generation cycle into an awkward spot.

Last year, documents regarding Xbox's mid-gen refresh plans were leaked, aiming for a supposed October 2024 release. Microsoft claimed the plans were outdated, but is still indeed releasing a digital-only Xbox Series X.