The Future of Xbox Handhelds: Asus, Microsoft, and a Console-Like Experience on the Go
For years, gamers have clamored for a seamless integration between the Xbox ecosystem and a dedicated handheld device. Microsoft’s hesitance to embrace smaller screen sizes for Windows has left a void in the market, a gap that companies like Valve with the Steam Deck, and Asus with the ROG Ally, have been eagerly filling. However, recent rumors and reports suggest that Microsoft is finally poised to make a significant entry into the handheld gaming arena, potentially partnering with Asus to create a console-like experience powered by Windows and infused with the Xbox DNA.
The whispers began swirling earlier this week when Windows Central reported on Microsoft’s plans to unveil a gaming handheld later this year. This sparked further investigation and confirmation from The Verge, which, while corroborating some of Windows Central’s claims, also added its own insights into Microsoft’s future strategy. According to The Verge’s sources, the Xbox handheld is currently codenamed "Project Kennan" (Windows Central referred to it as "Keenan"). Notably, Microsoft isn’t planning to manufacture the device in-house. Instead, they are reportedly entrusting the design and production to Asus.
This potential partnership is a game-changer. Asus has already proven its competence in the handheld gaming space with the ROG Ally and the ROG Ally X, the latter of which has garnered considerable praise. Combining Asus’s hardware expertise with Microsoft’s software and gaming ecosystem could result in a compelling device that rivals, or even surpasses, the Steam Deck in terms of performance, features, and user experience.
Details regarding the Asus-made Xbox handheld are still scarce, but the reports paint a tantalizing picture. The device is expected to feature Xbox branding, possibly even incorporating a physical "X" button reminiscent of the Series X console. In terms of ergonomics, it’s reasonable to assume that the handheld will draw inspiration from the ROG Ally’s design, offering a comfortable and intuitive grip for extended gaming sessions.
Under the hood, the Asus handheld is likely to be powered by a new chip, such as the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme. This handheld-centric APU, which was previewed at CES earlier this year, promises significant performance improvements over existing mobile processors, allowing for smoother gameplay and higher graphical fidelity.
The collaboration between Microsoft and Asus seems like a natural fit. Xbox CEO Phil Spencer has publicly expressed his admiration for the ROG Ally, further fueling speculation about a potential partnership. It’s a similar dynamic to the collaboration between Valve and Lenovo, where Steam’s owners are opening up their SteamOS platform for the upcoming Lenovo Legion Go. While a Windows version of the Legion Go is already available, the SteamOS rendition is expected to launch later this year, offering users a choice between the two operating systems.
The Asus handheld will reportedly be Windows-based, but with a custom Xbox UI layered on top. The Verge described this as a "common Xbox UI" that will be consistent across multiple types of devices. This likely refers to an enhanced version of the existing Xbox app, which received a redesign last year to better suit handheld devices.
One of the key questions is whether this Xbox UI will seamlessly integrate with other game launchers, such as Steam and the Epic Games Store. Given that the device will still be running Windows, it’s highly probable that users will be able to access other launchers and apps, including those used for game emulation.
Microsoft is reportedly developing a new UX, codenamed "Project Bayside," to create a more console-like experience for handhelds and other devices that utilize the Xbox-Windows framework. This could include a dedicated app store for games, potentially allowing Microsoft to establish a storefront that rivals Steam in terms of popularity and reach. Microsoft’s ambition could be to make Xbox the default gaming experience across a range of OEM handhelds from manufacturers such as Lenovo, Asus, and MSI.
Windows Central’s report also touched upon Microsoft’s plans for a console follow-up to the Xbox Series X/S. The next-generation hardware, expected to arrive around 2027, may be more akin to a PC than a traditional Xbox console. This shift would align with Microsoft’s strategy of creating a unified gaming ecosystem across multiple devices. The next-gen console could even incorporate third-party game storefronts, including Steam, further blurring the lines between consoles and PCs.
While we await official confirmation and concrete details about the Asus-made Xbox handheld, the rumors and reports have generated considerable excitement within the gaming community. The prospect of a device that combines the portability of a handheld with the power of Windows and the vast library of Xbox games is undeniably appealing.
For those eager to visualize the possibilities of an Xbox handheld, there are DIY designs that offer a glimpse into what the future might hold. One such design involves cutting down an original Xbox board and fitting it inside a handheld shell along with a screen. While Microsoft’s eventual design is expected to be more refined and less bulky, it highlights the potential for creating a compact and powerful gaming device. And who knows, perhaps Microsoft will even consider bringing back the iconic black-and-white buttons to evoke nostalgia among veteran gamers.
The potential partnership between Microsoft and Asus represents a significant step towards the realization of a truly unified gaming ecosystem. By leveraging Asus’s hardware expertise and Microsoft’s software prowess, the two companies could create a handheld device that redefines the boundaries of portable gaming. The future of Xbox handhelds is looking brighter than ever, and gamers have every reason to be excited about what’s to come. The convergence of console and PC gaming on a handheld device is not just a dream, but a rapidly approaching reality.
