Currently, there is no official confirmation on whether the rumored Xbox handheld console will support keyboard and mouse gameplay. However, Microsoft is planning significant updates to merge the Xbox and Windows experiences for handheld gaming devices, which could potentially include enhanced controller support and integration of Xbox features like Xbox Game Pass and cloud gaming services[3].
The Xbox Series X/S consoles already support keyboard and mouse input for compatible games, but this is limited to wired or dongle-based peripherals, as Bluetooth devices are not supported[1][7]. If the handheld Xbox follows a similar pattern, it might allow keyboard and mouse use, but this would likely require a USB connection or a compatible wireless dongle.
Microsoft's focus on creating a gaming-centric interface for handheld devices suggests that they are working to improve input options, which could include better support for various peripherals[3]. However, specific details about keyboard and mouse compatibility on the handheld Xbox remain speculative until official announcements are made.
Given the current trend in handheld gaming devices like the Steam Deck, which supports keyboard and mouse input, it's plausible that Microsoft might consider similar functionality for their handheld console to remain competitive. However, without concrete information, it's difficult to predict the exact features of the Xbox handheld regarding keyboard and mouse support.
Citations:
[1] https://www.popsci.com/diy/xbox-to-keyboard-and-mouse/
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox_(console)
[3] https://pcoutlet.com/systems/consoles/microsoft-planning-huge-xbox-style-update-to-handheld-consoles
[4] https://www.reddit.com/r/xbox/comments/wijzeq/is_there_a_compatible_wireless_mini_keyboard_or/
[5] https://www.xbox.com/en-US/cloud-gaming/logitech-g-cloud-gaming-handheld
[6] https://www.reddit.com/r/gaming/comments/1bnxtw2/a_handheld_xbox_is_the_dream_says_microsoft/
[7] https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/xbox/forum/all/bluetooth-keyboard-mouse-compatibility-with-xbox/0270e573-817d-418e-b471-bc62be9e1eba
[8] https://www.pcworld.com/article/2632387/microsoft-xbox-handheld-pc-rumors-now-suggest-a-surpise-2025-launch.html