Late last year, Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, hinted that an Xbox gaming handheld was still years off. But that doesn’t mean other manufacturers aren’t already hard at work on one, possibly with Microsoft’s approval. Insiders say that Microsoft is looking to bring Xbox and Windows closer together as a single platform, and Asus could be a key partner in this initiative. They’re reportedly working on something called Project Kennan, which might just be a gaming handheld that could benefit from Microsoft’s big plans and may even see a release this year.
On top of the hardware development by Asus, Microsoft is crafting something known as Project Bayside. This aims to create a standardized Xbox user interface that can work seamlessly across different devices. Asus’s upcoming handheld will be powered by Windows but with an Xbox-themed experience, thanks to this Bayside framework. Clearly, these projects show Microsoft’s dedication to merging the strengths of both Xbox and Windows.
Jason Ronal, one of the big names at Xbox, mentioned earlier this year to The Verge that the team is invested in this fusion of technologies and hopes to see tangible results soon. Yet, despite the buzz, both companies have yet to officially reveal or even hint at these developments publicly.
The handheld gaming scene saw a shake-up when Valve rolled out the Steam Deck in 2022, heralding a new era for such devices. Despite this, Microsoft’s got a strong footing, as many top-rated PC gaming handhelds are using Windows 11. However, things might be on the brink of change with Lenovo’s introduction of the Legion Go S, powered by SteamOS. Currently, you can snag a Windows 11 powered Legion Go S for $729, but the SteamOS model, arriving in May, will be priced much lower at $499. Lenovo has also promised a more budget-friendly Windows variant around the same time, priced at $599. This price point could make gamers lean towards the SteamOS option.
Microsoft is likely watching these moves closely, especially with a major OEM partner like Lenovo offering an alternative operating system. This also signals that Valve is stepping up its game against Windows with SteamOS. As Microsoft faces tight competition from the PlayStation 5, it probably doesn’t want Valve to gain ground in the handheld market. To stay on top, Microsoft needs to ensure Xbox and Windows continue to be the go-to OS for handheld gaming enthusiasts.
