There are reports that Microsoft is already working on a few new Xbox projects, one of the most interesting of which is (working title) Project Keenan, which is surprisingly slated for later this year. The rumored direction of Project Keenan would be a pretty big game-changer, and possibly give Microsoft a leg up on Sony in of hardware capabilities. Xbox's potential new direction seems in line with some of Microsoft's recent decisions regarding interaction with Windows, so these rumors don't seem like too much of a stretch.

It's worth noting that there has been no official announcement from Xbox about Project Keenan, so any currently reported details are subject to change. Microsoft may change its mind at some point during the development process based on how development of the system goes. However, as of now, this is what we are expecting from Xbox's new console and what it could mean for the future of the brand.

What Is Project Keenan?

Project Keenan Is A Handheld Gaming Device Developed By Microsoft And A Third-Party OEM

Project Keenan is a handheld device similar to a Steam Deck, with a few differences. According to Jez Corden of Windows Central, who broke the story on Project Keenan, Microsoft is working with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) that specializes in PC gaming to create Project Keenan. Though the report doesn't name a specific OEM Microsoft is working with, it gives a few examples of similar manufacturers, like Lenovo and Asus.

Because Microsoft is working with a PC gaming manufacturer, Corden speculates that Project Keenan won't just be for playing games, but will also be fully running the Windows operating system. Corden believes the device will even allow you to other gaming platforms like Steam. If true, this would make Project Keenan a potential substitute for a gaming PC, at least for games that work well on a handheld device. While certain games are still obviously better experienced with a mouse and keyboard, Project Keenan could still be a good alternative depending on its price.

One interesting detail about Corden's report about Project Keenan is that although the device will reportedly "look unmistakably [Xbox]," it probably won't be an official Xbox device. In an interview with Bloomberg in November, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer said that Xbox is still working on prototypes for their own handheld console and nothing should be expected for a few years. If both Spencer and Corden's statements are true, then Project Keenan will bear some resemblance to Xbox devices, but will be more akin to a third-party device with Windows functionality.

When Xbox's Next-Gen Consoles Will Release

Xbox's Next-Gen Consoles Are Rumored For A 2027 Release

According to the Windows Central report, new Xbox consoles are expected to be expected in 2027, and will include both a replacement for the current Xbox consoles and the Xbox handheld console. This doesn't seem too far off from Phil Spencer's comments about an Xbox handheld device being a few years out. Again, this isn't confirmed and is subject to change, but is the current estimate for when we can expect the next generation of Xbox consoles.

A 2027 release date is also in line with information previously available in court documents related to Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. According to Tech Radar, the documents said that the next generation of Xbox consoles is expected by 2028. 2027 not only meets this deadline, but if the consoles are released in November like the Xbox Series X was, it will be very close to that 2028 estimate when they come out.

What Kinds Of Consoles Do We Expect From Xbox In 2027?

Xbox Will Release A New Console And A Handheld

If Windows Central's sources are correct, we will be getting both a handheld Xbox console and a standard one. Reportedly, like Project Keenan, these new consoles will have some degree of Windows functionality, and be closer to PCs than previous consoles. This would continue Xbox's recent trend of making most of their games available both on PC and Xbox consoles, while also reducing the need for there to be any drastic differences between the Xbox version and PC ports of games.

This seems in keeping with Xbox's decision to make their games more available across multiple platforms. Exclusive games like Avowed have been made available both on PC and Xbox simultaneously. Some Xbox titles are even on PlayStation 5. While it is great for all games to be available to wider audience, this does raise an interesting question about the future of Xbox consoles and their games.

Will Xbox's Next-Gen Consoles Have Exclusives?

Xbox Is Seemingly Doing Away With Exclusive Games

With the recent trend of Xbox titles being made available on PC and even PlayStation, it seems likely that future Xbox consoles could do away with the idea of exclusive games. According to Jez Corden on X, this is Xbox's current plan even though they haven't announced anything yet. Similar to Corden's reporting on Project Keenan, it's worth taking this with a grain of salt until Microsoft makes an official announcement, but it doesn't seem completely unfounded given recent Xbox releases. It seems possible that Xbox may make games exclusive for a select period of time.

While Xbox games may be making their way to other platforms, that doesn't mean Xbox exclusivity is fully dead. Game is still strictly for Xbox and PC, and will not be making its way to consoles like the PS5 or Switch. This still creates some incentive for players to buy a Microsoft system or game on Windows, even if Xbox doesn't have exclusive titles. While it would certainly be nice for Game to work wherever Xbox games are available, I'm happy with it staying on Xbox if that's the compromise needed to kill console-exclusive games.

Console exclusives have long been a thorn in the side of players. Video game consoles and gaming PCs are expensive, so not everyone can afford to have multiple ways to play games. When console exclusives were more common, this meant having to choose what slate of games to miss out on when choosing a new console. The death of exclusivity is a huge plus for players, so I really hope it's true that Xbox is done with the idea. I'm also interested to see what comes of Project Keenan later this year, and how close it is to the current rumored version.

Source: Windows Central, Bloomberg, Tech Radar, Jez Corden/Twitter