The Xbox handheld device planned for release in 2025, codenamed "Keenan," is expected to be a Windows-based handheld with an Xbox-like interface. While specific details about backward compatibility with Xbox games are not fully confirmed, there are indications that it will support playing Xbox games through the Xbox app on PC, which includes features like Xbox Play Anywhere. This service allows users to access PC versions of games they own on Xbox, suggesting some level of compatibility with existing Xbox titles.
However, the extent to which this device will support backward compatibility with legacy Xbox games, similar to the Xbox Series X and S consoles, is not explicitly stated. The device is primarily designed to run Windows with PC Game Pass integration, which implies it will focus more on PC-based Xbox experiences rather than direct console backward compatibility.
Microsoft's broader strategy includes maintaining backward compatibility across its platforms, and the company has emphasized the importance of this feature in its next-generation plans. The next-gen Xbox consoles, slated for 2027, are expected to continue supporting legacy Xbox games, but it remains to be seen how this will be implemented in the 2025 handheld.
In summary, while the 2025 Xbox handheld will likely offer some form of compatibility with Xbox games through the Xbox app on PC, specific details about backward compatibility with legacy console games are still unclear. The device is part of Microsoft's efforts to unify Windows and Xbox experiences, which may include broader compatibility features in the future.
Citations:
[1] https://www.purexbox.com/news/2025/03/report-xbox-handheld-for-2025-being-made-by-asus-will-feature-console-like-interface
[2] https://www.ign.com/articles/full-next-gen-xbox-reportedly-set-for-2027-xbox-branded-gaming-handheld-due-out-later-in-2025
[3] https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/xbox-hardware-report-project-keenan-next-gen-xbox-2027
[4] https://www.polygon.com/xbox/537029/xbox-handheld-report-2025
[5] https://www.purexbox.com/features/five-things-an-xbox-handheld-needs-to-include-when-it-releases
[6] https://games.slashdot.org/story/25/03/10/197231/microsoft-to-launch-xbox-handheld-in-2025-next-gen-consoles-in-2027
[7] https://www.reddit.com/r/Games/comments/1j83jng/windowscentral_xboxs_new_hardware_plans_begin/
[8] https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/03/six-ways-microsofts-portable-xbox-could-be-a-steam-deck-killer/
[9] https://www.resetera.com/threads/wcg-xboxs-new-hardware-plans-begin-with-third-party-xbox-branded-handheld-set-for-2025-with-full-next-gen-home-portable-consoles-targeting-2027.1130253/page-6
[10] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8xIM9y_XBc
[11] https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/handheld-gaming-pcs/microsoft-is-reportedly-prepping-a-handheld-xbox-for-later-this-year-with-new-consoles-coming-in-2027/
[12] https://xboxera.com/2025/03/12/more-info-on-xbox-partner-handheld-and-more-is-here-courtesy-of-the-verge/