According to a new leak, the upcoming Xbox handheld will feature a custom low-power APU made by AMD.
The “real” Xbox handheld refers to Microsoft’s dedicated gaming portable, while the Windows-based Xbox handheld, codenamed “Project Kennan” and developed with Asus, will simply carry the Xbox branding and run Windows.
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— Xbox (@Xbox) March 31, 2025
A recent job posting suggested that future Xbox consoles might switch to ARM-based Snapdragon processors. While ARM would make sense in terms of power efficiency, it would cause compatibility issues with current Xbox software and limit access to the existing Xbox game library. That’s likely why the actual handheld sticks with x86-based hardware.
Reports suggest the true Xbox handheld could release by the end of the year, while the next generation of Xbox Series X and S consoles is expected by 2027.
Meanwhile, Microsoft is citing Apple as the reason for the delay in launching the Xbox mobile store. According to a report by The Verge, Microsoft has filed an amicus brief supporting Epic Games in its legal battle against Apple.
The court recently ruled in favour of allowing stores like the Epic Games Store and the Xbox mobile store on iOS, but Apple plans to appeal. Microsoft argued that while the injunction lets Apple keep its in-app payment exclusivity, it should have also allowed Microsoft to offer an alternative, such as a web-based store, for buying in-game items. Apple’s restrictions have so far prevented Microsoft from even informing users about off-app purchase options due to its anti-steering policy.