Switch-like Xbox handheld and more powerful traditional console reportedly being prepared by Microsoft Surface team

It has been an eventful few days for Xbox. From the rumor that the next-gen Xbox could be based on Intel hardware to the bombshell reports of Xbox exclusives going multi-platform, fans of Xbox have a lot to digest and potentially worry about. Adding to this growing pile, some interesting details regarding the next-gen Xbox consoles have emerged thanks to Xbox insider MAGG speaking on the Xbox Cast podcast.

Starting with the most intriguing nugget of information, MAGG alleges hearing that Microsoft will release two next-gen Xbox consoles one of which will be a Switch-like handheld and the other will be a traditional console. The purported Xbox handheld is reportedly less powerful than the traditional console and will be dockable just like the Nintendo Switch system. The console could also be a sort of hybrid that can both stream games from the cloud and run games locally.

The talk of a portable Xbox console is interesting since we are also hearing of a PlayStation handheld that could be released alongside the PS6. So, going by the rumors alone, the console war is seemingly spilling over into the handheld territory, a space that has become increasingly crowded after the launch of Valve Steam Deck (Available on Amazon).

Moving on, MAGG also suggests that the next-gen Xbox is being developed by the Surface team and not Jason Ronald who led the development of the Xbox Series S | X (Buy the Series S and X on Amazon). On one hand, this is rather surprising as the Surface team has yet to produce a gaming console. But, on the other hand, it also makes sense since the Surface team has extensive experience in developing portable systems in the Surface Pro convertible devices.

Finally, the rumor also suggests that both next-gen Xbox consoles will launch in late 2026.