Introduction to Xbox Handheld Gaming

Microsoft has been surprisingly slow to release a version of Windows that is well-suited for 8-inch screens. However, recent rumors suggest that the company may finally be working on a handheld gaming device that integrates Xbox and Windows, with Asus potentially leading the charge. This new generation of console-like handheld gaming devices could be similar to the Steam Deck.

Rumors and Reports

Earlier this week, Windows Central reported that Microsoft plans to unveil its gaming handheld this year. The Verge has since confirmed some aspects of this report, citing unnamed sources close to Microsoft. According to these sources, the Xbox handheld is codenamed "Project Kennan" and is being manufactured by Asus, rather than Microsoft itself. The device will feature Xbox branding and may include a built-in "X" button, similar to the Series X console.

Design and Specifications

The new Asus handheld is expected to have a design similar to the company’s current ROG Ally, with a built-in "X" button and a new chip like the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme. This chip was first unveiled at CES in January and is designed specifically for handheld devices. Asus has a proven track record in the handheld gaming market, having produced the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X, the latter of which is a favorite among big-budget handheld gamers.

Partnership with Asus

Asus is a natural partner for Microsoft, given the company’s experience in the handheld gaming market. Xbox CEO Phil Spencer has even expressed his admiration for the ROG Ally in an interview with IGN. This partnership is similar to the one between Valve and Lenovo, which has resulted in the upcoming Lenovo Legion Go S handheld gaming device. The Legion Go S will feature SteamOS and is expected to be released later this year.

User Interface and Gaming Experience

The supposed Asus handheld will run on Windows but will feature an Xbox UI overlay. This will provide a common Xbox UI across multiple devices, similar to the current Xbox app. The Verge reports that this new UX, codenamed "Project Bayside," is designed to create a more console-like experience for handheld devices. This could include an app store specific to Xbox games, as well as support for other game launchers like Steam and Epic Games Store.

Future Plans and Implications

According to Windows Central, Microsoft is also planning a console follow-up to the Xbox Series X/S, which may arrive in 2027. This next-gen hardware could be more like a PC than a traditional console, incorporating third-party game storefronts like Steam. If Microsoft is successful in creating a popular storefront, it could make Xbox the default experience across a variety of OEM handhelds from companies like Lenovo, Asus, and MSI.

Conclusion

The possibilities for an Xbox handheld are exciting, and fans can get an idea of what the device might look like by checking out DIY designs like this one, which features a cut-down original Xbox board inside a handheld shell. While Microsoft’s eventual design is likely to be more sleek and refined, the prospect of a handheld Xbox device is sure to get nostalgic gamers going. Who knows, maybe we’ll even see the return of the classic black-and-white buttons.