Microsoft has put a pause in its plans to develop a proprietary Xbox handheld, according to Windows Central.
The publication, which has been one of the first to report Microsoft’s broader gaming handheld plans, is now saying that Microsoft’s priorities have changed. While the company reportedly still wants to eventually make a dedicated Xbox handheld, it will no longer release in 2027 alongside the next-gen Xbox hardware.
Instead, Windows Central says Microsoft is focusing its efforts on partnerships with OEMs on Xbox-branded handhelds. The first of these, which both Windows Central and The Verge have reported on, is “Project Kennan,” a handheld from Asus in partnership with Xbox.
Naturally, these kinds of deals are lower-risk for Microsoft, leaning on experienced PC gaming handheld makers like Asus while allowing for the use of signature Xbox buttons. The first images of Kennan seemingly leaked earlier this month thanks to the U.S. FCC, and sure enough, it looks like an Asus ROG Ally with Xbox buttons. Kennan is expected to launch later this year.
Windows Central adds that Microsoft also wants to take this extra time to improve Windows 11 before it launches its own proprietary handheld. The company is reportedly looking to address the fact that SteamOS continues to be the preferred OS for OEMs’ PC gaming handhelds.
Earlier this year, Microsoft admitted some shortcomings with the Windows 11 gaming experience, noting that it wants to bring “the best of Xbox and Windows together” into a single handheld. Kennan would be one step in that process.
Ultimately, it remains to be seen when we might see that handheld or others. Both Computex and Microsoft Build passed this month without an announcement. Microsoft does have its big Xbox Games Showcase on June 8, although there generally aren’t big PC-related reveals like this. Only time will tell.
Source: Windows Central
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