# Xbox Handheld: Speculations, Leaks, and Specifications – A Summary of All Information
**Update from October 17, 2024:** We have included fresh insights regarding a potential announcement.
The gaming industry is abuzz with anticipation as speculation surrounding an Xbox handheld console continues to grow. Microsoft has been hinting at possibilities, and various leaks imply that the company is genuinely contemplating a venture into the handheld sector. With new details emerging, we have gathered all the current knowledge regarding the prospective Xbox handheld, including pricing, release dates, features, and insider insights.
## Pricing and Launch Details
### **Pricing:**
Currently, there is no confirmed pricing data available. Nevertheless, a significant Microsoft leak from the prior year indicated that the company is working on a streamlined operating system for handheld devices, expected to be priced below $100. It’s uncertain if this applies to the Xbox handheld, but should the device support native gaming, a more plausible price point might range from **€300 to €600**.
### **Launch:**
Strong hints suggest that the Xbox handheld could debut in **2026**, aligning with the **25th anniversary of Xbox** on November 15, 2026. Sources from [Windows Central](https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/were-building-plans-for-the-25th-anniversary-of-halo-and-xbox-microsoft-confirms-in-a-new-interview-we-have-such-a-rich-heritage-you-have-to-celebrate-that) indicate that during this significant event, Microsoft aims to reveal both a successor to the Xbox Series X and a handheld console.
Earlier rumors pointed to a possible release as late as **2028**, but the 2026 timeline now seems more feasible in light of recent information.
## Insights from Microsoft
Microsoft has not been entirely reticent about its aspirations in handheld gaming. Here’s what we’ve learned from their official channels:
– **FTC Leak:** The leaked FTC documents from last year suggested that a handheld device is part of Microsoft’s future plans.
– **ThinOS Development:** Microsoft is crafting an operating system under the codename **“ThinOS”** that is tailored specifically for handheld devices.
– **Comment from Sarah Bond:** Sarah Bond, President of Xbox, noted in an Xbox Podcast that new hardware would be launched later this year, although it’s uncertain if she was referring to the handheld.
### **Remarks by Phil Spencer:**
Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, has shared his views on the potential for an Xbox handheld. In an [interview with Polygon](https://www.polygon.com/24108660/xbox-handheld-console-phil-spencer-interview), Spencer conveyed his interest in a handheld experience akin to Xbox on current Windows handhelds. He mentioned:
– He has a **to-do list** focused on improvements that could enhance Windows’ optimization for handheld consoles.
– The Xbox hardware team is investigating **new form factors**, suggesting the feasibility of a handheld design.
In a different conversation with IGN, Spencer reiterated the importance of **local play**, indicating that the Xbox handheld may not be exclusively dependent on cloud gaming.
## A Handheld Blending Cloud with Native Rendering
The FTC leak has also hinted at Microsoft’s contemplation of a hybrid device blending **native rendering** and **cloud streaming**. This concept is already implemented in games like **Microsoft Flight Simulator**, which leverages cloud technology to boost performance. The upcoming handheld might support cutting-edge graphical features such as **ray tracing** and **dynamic global illumination** through a mix of **AI upscaling**, native rendering, and cloud streaming.
## Speculative Developments
### **Prototypes Under Development:**
As noted by Jez Corden, co-host of the Xbox Two podcast, Microsoft has reportedly created and evaluated several prototypes of the Xbox handheld. These prototypes are anticipated to be **native Xbox consoles**, not systems based on Windows.
Corden also speculates that the forthcoming Xbox will not function as a hybrid console like the Nintendo Switch. Rather, the Xbox Series X will see a **traditional successor**, and the handheld is expected to be a **distinct device**.
> **Speculation**: Jez Corden asserts that the Xbox Handheld will function as a standalone device, complementing the Series X successor, rather than being a hybrid device.
> — Kloot (@ZakkenKloot), August 6, 2024
### **New Development Kit:**
A new Xbox **developer kit** has recently been logged in South Korea. The country mandates certification for electronic gadgets to prevent interference with radio networks. Historical data shows that prior Xbox consoles received certification in South Korea roughly six months ahead of their launches, hinting that the handheld might follow a similar trajectory.
> **The new Xbox Dev Kit (XDK) has been certified one by the National Radio Research Agency in Korea today.**
> — Xbox News for Koreans (@KoreaXboxnews), March 18, 2024
## Expectations for the Xbox Handheld
While