Xbox Handheld Reportedly Put on Hold, Microsoft to Focus on Improving Windows 11 Gaming Performance

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At this moment, it seems that Microsoft has decided to postpone their initial plans for a portable Xbox gaming device. The launch date was initially set for 2027, but due to changes in priorities within Microsoft’s gaming division, this specific handheld system is no longer a top priority at the moment. It’s important to clarify that this delayed project is not related to the one by Asus, as images of which were leaked earlier this month.

According to recent reports, Asus’ portable device, known internally as Kennan, is still set to launch this year. For now, it seems that Microsoft is focusing on handhelds developed by external hardware companies. Notably, these devices will be considered part of the Xbox family due to an additional button, functioning as the Xbox Guide button found on contemporary Xbox controllers.

Regarding the company’s own handheld device, based on a recent report, it appears that their teams will concentrate more on enhancing the gaming experience for Windows 11. These enhancements could also benefit desktop users, but the main goal seems to be optimizing the operating system for handheld systems such as the Asus Kennan, focusing on compatibility, performance, and power efficiency.

It seems Microsoft’s decision might be influenced by Valve’s recent launch of the Linux-based SteamOS operating system, which is now compatible with a range of handheld devices such as Lenovo’s Legion Go S. Moreover, SteamOS has been suggested to deliver superior gaming performance and longer battery life compared to Windows 11 on the same hardware.

For several years, Windows has had a less than optimal performance on power-reliant devices such as gaming laptops and handheld systems, due in part to its inconsistency in allowing the device to sleep during gameplay and then wake up again for continued play. This is an area where devices like the Steam Deck have excelled, leveraging their strength in managing power more effectively.

As reported by Windows Central, the teams responsible for enhancing the gaming experience on Windows 11 are primarily concentrating on refining the interaction between the operating system and portable gaming devices. These enhancements could potentially bring benefits for Microsoft when they eventually launch their own handheld gaming device.

From my perspective as a gaming enthusiast, it appears that some images of a new system I’m quite interested in have been leaked, most likely through the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Upon closer inspection, this system strongly resembles Asus’ ROG Ally line-up, but with a unique twist – an additional button situated between the left joystick and the screen, which seems to function like the Xbox Guide button. Moreover, it appears to boast grips on both sides, similar to those found in standard controllers. I can’t wait to get my hands on this potential game-changer!

As a tech enthusiast, I’m all but buzzing with excitement over the rumors surrounding this upcoming system! It’s said to be powered by an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip, which is expected to have a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 36 Watts. Furthermore, it’s tipped that it will sport LPDDR5-8533 memory, a type that’s believed to be shared between the main processor and the GPU integrated within the chip itself. Simply put, this combination could potentially lead to some jaw-dropping performance!

As a passionate gamer, I’ve always dreamt about having an Xbox-branded handheld device, and it looks like I might get my wish someday. The CEO of Microsoft Gaming, Phil Spencer, has admitted to considering this idea, but he also mentioned that we gamers should brace ourselves for a wait of a few years before such hardware becomes a reality from the Xbox team.

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2025-05-30 15:11