Microsoft abandons Xbox handheld project to focus on improving Windows 11 portable capabilities
Microsoft Axes Plans for Its Own Xbox Handheld, Focuses on Windows 11 Gaming Handheld Optimization
It seems like Microsoft has shifted gears in its gaming console plans, prioritizing Windows 11 optimizations for third-party devices over its own Xbox handheld. This revelation comes from a report by Windows Central, which suggests that Microsoft's internal first-party Xbox handheld project, previously known as "Pembrooke," has been temporarily set aside.
Instead, Microsoft is pouring its energy into enhancing the Windows 11 experience on partner devices such as the ASUS-made ROG Ally, and possibly the upcoming "Project Kennan" collaboration with ASUS [2]. This move might be Microsoft's strategic response to the surge in popularity of SteamOS on Windows 11-compatible handhelds.
Recently, we've seen devices like the Lenovo Legion Go S supporting both SteamOS and Windows 11. However, SteamOS may lack certain features like Game Pass support. Still, users who are willing to forego these functionalities have reported impressive performance thanks to SteamOS [3].
If you're unfamiliar with the ongoing Xbox handheld news, here's a quick update. Earlier, Microsoft was rumored to be working on multiple handheld gaming devices: its self-developed first-party Xbox handheld and the Asus collaboration, codenamed "Project Kennan." The latter has been in the limelight for quite some time now, with whispers about its potential release date. As per Windows Central, "Kennan is still eyeing a launch for later this year," and the device's hardware is "nearly complete" [2].
Microsoft's first-party offering was expected to deliver a native Xbox console-like experience with the ability to run full Xbox games. It's this project that's been put on the back burner, though it's not a complete dismissal [2]. Instead, Microsoft is focusing on bolstering the Windows 11 ecosystem for third-party gaming handhelds and improving Xbox software integration on these devices.
Windows 11 has been a default choice for many handheld gaming systems, but things have started to change with the introduction of SteamOS. It's not just the Legion Go S; devices like the Asus ROG Ally can run both Windows 11 and Steam OS. Both operating systems have their merits, with Steam OS outperforming in terms of gaming capabilities, while Windows 11 offers seamless integration into the larger Windows ecosystem [1][4].
Stay ahead of the game: follow Tom's Hardware on Google News for daily updates, in-depth analyses, and reviews in your feeds. Don't forget to hit the follow button!
Want More Tom's Hardware?
Stay updated with the latest news, analysis, and reviews from Tom's Hardware. Subscribe to our newsletter!
Technology continues to evolve, with Microsoft focusing on optimizing gaming experiences on Windows 11-based devices instead of developing its own Xbox handheld. Data-and-cloud-computing advancements will play a significant role in this endeavor as Microsoft enhances the Windows 11 ecosystem for third-party gaming handhelds and integrates Xbox software more effectively. Gadget enthusiasts eagerly await the upcoming ASUS collaboration, Project Kennan, which may launch later this year, further showcasing the intersection between technology, data-and-cloud-computing, and gaming.
