XBox Rumors

As of April 9, 2025, rumors about the next Xbox consoles are heating up, with speculation pointing to both a next-gen console and a handheld device.

Here’s a breakdown of the latest buzz based on what’s been circulating:

Next-Gen Xbox Console (Targeting 2027)

Release Timeline: The most consistent rumor pegs the next Xbox console for a 2027 launch. Reports suggest it’s a “premium successor” to the Xbox Series X, fully greenlit by Microsoft’s leadership, including CEO Satya Nadella, and now in production. This aligns with comments from Xbox president Sarah Bond, who’s teased it as delivering “the largest technical leap” in a hardware generation.

PC-Like Architecture: Insiders claim it’ll be more of a “PC in a TV-friendly shell” than ever before. This could mean a Windows-based system with fixed specs, making it easier for developers to port games from PC without needing traditional console dev kits early on. Rumors of supporting third-party storefronts like Steam, Epic Games Store, or GOG are also floating around, potentially broadening its game library beyond the Xbox ecosystem.

Backward Compatibility: It’s expected to maintain compatibility with older Xbox games, a priority Microsoft has emphasized in recent years. However, some speculate this might rely on an emulation layer, raising questions about how well it’ll handle titles like Xbox 360 games that aren’t currently backward compatible on Series X|S.

No Mid-Gen Refresh: Unlike Sony’s PS5 Pro, Microsoft reportedly scrapped plans for a mid-cycle Xbox Series X upgrade (once codenamed “Brooklin”) to focus on this next-gen system, possibly accelerating its timeline from an earlier 2028 estimate to 2027—or even 2026, according to some optimistic leaks.

Xbox Handheld Device (Possibly Late 2025)

Launch Rumors: A separate Xbox-branded handheld, codenamed “Kennan,” is rumored to drop as early as late 2025. It’s said to be a collaboration with a PC gaming OEM (think ASUS, Lenovo, or Razer), distinct from the 2027 console plans. Recent teasers from ASUS, including a video hinting at an Xbox connection, suggest it might be an ROG Ally-style device with Xbox design cues—like an Xbox guide button.

Specs and Features: It’s likely a Windows-based handheld, leveraging Game Pass and cloud gaming, possibly with Steam support. This could position it as a competitor to the Steam Deck and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, blending console and PC gaming in a portable form factor.

Phil Spencer’s Hints: Xbox boss Phil Spencer has fueled speculation, recently mentioning handheld plans in interviews and suggesting something’s coming in 2025. This tracks with Microsoft’s broader push to make Xbox playable on “every screen.”

Other Tidbits

Debunked Claims: Earlier this year, a rumor about an “Xbox Prime” launching in 2026 with a new Call of Duty title was shot down by insider Jez Corden, who called it “made up.” However, he didn’t rule out a 2026 console entirely—just not under that name or timeline.

Strategic Shift: Some speculate Microsoft’s move away from exclusives (with titles like Hellblade 2 hitting PS5) and toward a hybrid PC-console future could redefine what an Xbox is, prioritizing accessibility over traditional console wars.

These rumors paint a picture of Microsoft doubling down on hardware innovation—splitting efforts between a high-powered 2027 console and a 2025 handheld. Nothing’s official yet, so take it all with a grain of salt, but the chatter suggests big changes ahead. What part of this are you most curious about? The handheld, the console, or something else?