Rumors have been swirling for a while that PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo are all going to be competing in the handheld market in the next generation. Reliable insiders have said that the PS6 gen might begin a new handheld rivalry between Sony and Microsoft, but if a new report is to be believed, Microsoft might just beat Sony to the next-gen handheld market… as soon as 2025.
PlayStation handheld reportedly in the works following success of PS Portal
According to an extensive report by Windows Central, Microsoft is working with a PC gaming equipment manufacturer to build an “Xbox-branded” handheld device that — if things go according to plan — will release later in 2025.
The website’s sources claim that this device, code named Keenan, will have Xbox features including the official Xbox Guide button, Xbox-style design, and more. Project Keenan will reportedly be more “PC-oriented,” and Microsoft’s partnership will be similar to the one Lenovo has with Valve.
According to Windows Central, project Keenan will be a stepping stone of sorts for Microsoft as it will serve as a “research experience,” allowing the company to test Windows 11 capabilities.
Previous rumors have claimed that Sony’s decision to prototype a stand-alone handheld was partly inspired by the PS Portal‘s success. The company is already experimenting with the Portal eventually being a stand-alone device, with PS Plus Premium cloud streaming beta allowing users to bypass the PS5.
