Alright, this Xbox handheld stuff is getting a bit confusing, but stick with us here! You've seen us talking about the 2025 Xbox handheld recently (the one that's being made by ASUS), and that's expected to essentially serve as an ASUS ROG Ally with some Xbox-specific features. However, Microsoft is seemingly planning something even bigger for 2027.
We've heard about this before, and Windows Central reported once again yesterday that from what sources have told the website, a first-party handheld remains in the works for 2027 and will feature a Switch-style docking system.
"From what I understand, there will be a true Xbox handheld made by Microsoft, complete with a docking station emulating the Nintendo Switch."
In addition to the handheld, the outlet says that the next Xbox console (a Series X successor) could also arrive in 2027, "potentially complete with the ability to side-load PC storefronts like Steam and Epic Games" - as previously rumoured.
The reason for this latest report was to poo-poo the idea that the next Xbox console and 2027 handheld will be based on Qualcomm chips, as recently suggested by a job listing at Microsoft, with Windows Central stating that the plan for these devices is to feature "as much compatibility with your current library as possible" and that the overheads for this are "beyond what the Snapdragon line up is currently capable of".
As always, keep in mind that plans can change rapidly at Microsoft and a 2027 launch is far from set in stone (even WC says it may just be the reveal window rather than a release window). We'll obviously learn a lot more as the months and years roll on, but in the meantime, we're just waiting on ASUS to reveal this year's Xbox handheld!