Microsoft Pauses First-Party Xbox Handheld to Enhance Windows 11 Portability

Whoa, Microsoft is pulling a fast one with their gaming console plans. So, here’s the scoop: they seem to be hitting pause on their Xbox handheld project. At least that’s what the buzz is saying from Windows Central. Instead, they’re diving headfirst into making handhelds work better with Windows 11 and backing Asus with the ‘Kennan’ project. Why, you ask? Could be they’ve seen how folks are loving SteamOS on their Windows 11 gadgets.

I mean, take the Lenovo Legion Go S. Cool name, right? It pretty much juggles both SteamOS and Windows 11 like it’s no big deal. Sure, you might have to forgo some things like Game Pass, but hey, some folks say it runs smooth as butter on SteamOS without it.

Alright, quick rewind if you haven’t kept up. Microsoft had a few irons in the fire with gaming handhelds. They were cooking up their own Xbox device and also whispering sweet nothings with Asus on what they’ve called “Project Kennan.” We’ve been hearing rumors that Kennan could drop later this year. Word on the street from Windows Central is the hardware’s pretty much locked and loaded.

Supposedly, Microsoft’s homegrown device was going to let us play Xbox games on-the-go. But ah, looks like it’s chilling in the shadows for now.

Now, tech stuff. Windows 11’s been the go-to for handhelds, but SteamOS is shaking things up. Fun times. Devices like the Asus ROG Ally are playing both sides too. There’s something cool about choosing between top-notch performance with SteamOS or full-throttle Windows access.

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