We've heard recently how Xbox has been working on new hardware for Holiday 2024, and there have also been ongoing rumours about a possible handheld device - rumours that Windows Central's Jez Corden has again weighed in on.
In the latest 'Xbox Two' podcast episode, Corden has now reiterated that there are handheld prototypes being developed within Microsoft's gaming division, and there are apparently some newer versions of them now circulating - separate to what was first reported on earlier this year.
Here's part of what he had to say, which was in response to a development kit being certified in South Korea earlier this week:
Jez Corden on Xbox handheld rumours: “I know that they’ve got handheld prototypes right now..."
Corden went on to say how he believes they are just prototypes, which in other words means they may not necessarily "go to market", but Microsoft is "absolutely pursuing" the handheld market - internally at least. He also added how these prototypes are not cloud devices, and "are fully native Xbox handheld" systems.
Back in February, the same source mentioned how Xbox apparently "greenlit several new hardware projects", but he didn't specify at the time what exactly they might be. Corden also noted in this latest update how big the handheld gaming market is, and how it makes a lot of sense for Microsoft to tap this market when other companies like Valve are already getting in on the action with the Steam Deck.
Once again, Microsoft has said it'll be making a hardware reveal of sorts later this year, but it remains to be seen if that will be related to these handheld rumours or something more aligned with Xbox Series X|S. For now, it's best to take these rumours and reports with a big old pinch of salt until we hear anything official from Microsoft.