Latest news with #Kennan
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Yahoo
Microsoft wants to win the handheld gaming war by no longer making one
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The gaming industry is notoriously volatile. And that's true of more than just software. This week, we have a new entry for the graveyard of delayed or discontinued gaming hardware, and Microsoft is at the heart of it all. Microsoft's rumored first-party Xbox handheld may take longer to arrive than initially expected. According to an exclusive report from Windows Central, Microsoft has paused development on the Xbox handheld to focus instead on optimizing Windows 11 for gaming experiences. Here's what we know so far about the delay, Windows optimizations, and the future of Xbox handhelds. Even though the Xbox handheld seems to be on pause, Microsoft is still working on something else. Codenamed "Kennan," the project for a branded Xbox handheld with Asus is reportedly still underway. So we will still get an Xbox handheld — even if it's mostly just a next-gen ROG Ally with a black-and-green color scheme. The first-party handheld that's reportedly been delayed was initially expected to launch alongside a next-generation Xbox home console in 2027. While we understand that the Xbox Series X successor will still launch during that window, the handheld device appears to have been shelved for now. According to the report from Windows Central, "sources have indicated ... that Microsoft is still deeply investing in developing its own Xbox gaming handheld technology in the future, but it was announced internally [Thursday] that the priorities are moving more deeply towards third-party OEM handhelds in the interim." So it appears that Microsoft is still planning to make its own handheld gaming device, just not by 2027. Microsoft's Xbox handheld may end up being a mid-cycle device rather than a dual-launch device for Microsoft's next console generation, but only time will tell. Microsoft is switching its handheld development to further support the "Kennan" handheld, which was co-designed with Asus, and to focus more on software optimization. As Windows Central reports, "Microsoft has decided to prioritize its teams to improve Windows 11 gaming performance, specifically for devices like the ASUS partner, 'Project Kennan.'" It's possible that the threat from SteamOS, which on paper delivers better gaming performance than Windows 11 itself, has informed these decisions." NEW Features: AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, 8-inch 120 Hz refresh rate display, 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage (with a MicroSD slot for up to an additional 2TB). The SteamOS version of the Legion Go S is the one to get. It boasts better battery life and frame rates, all at a lower price than the Windows version. View Deal Now that Lenovo's Legion Go S with SteamOS is available, Microsoft has some serious OS competition for gaming handhelds. Valve's Linux-based operating system tends to be less resource-intensive than Windows 11, and thus offers better battery life and smoother performance. Of course, SteamOS isn't the best solution for everyone. Some first-party launchers don't have Linux support or may not run correctly through Proton emulation. Workarounds exist for more major launchers, like the Epic Games Store or Ubisoft Connect. And Valve is still updating the Steam library to make more games compatible with SteamOS. The SteamOS library currently features over 17,000 games, though most are single-player. Kernel-level anti-cheat systems seem the most significant barrier to enabling popular multiplayer games on SteamOS. Outside of the smaller multiplayer library, SteamOS is stable, is a low-hardware-lift OS, and it doesn't get hamstrung by Windows 11's terrible touchscreen controls on the desktop. This has made the Steam Deck (and potentially now the Legion Go S with SteamOS) a more attractive gaming handheld than its Windows competitors. Unless you're like me, and you've got an MMO you just can't put down, SteamOS is a solid solution. However, if Microsoft optimizes Windows 11 for gaming handhelds, that could remove at least a few OS-based pain points for Windows-based gaming handhelds. Forget Windows 11, this version of Windows 10 is officially supported until 2032 I ditched my rig for GeForce Now: Here's what the experience is really like. Don't buy an Nvidia RTX 5060 laptop, wait for the RTX 5050
Tom's Guide
30-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
Xbox's Switch 2 competitor may have hit the wall as Microsoft presses pause on handheld console
We've heard numerous rumors about Microsoft working on an Xbox handheld gaming console to compete with the Steam Deck and the Nintendo Switch 2. The console is said to be a native Xbox handheld, but a new report suggests that Microsoft is shelving it to focus on other priorities. According to a report by Windows Central, Microsoft has decided to halt development on the handheld, which was rumored to launch in 2027. This isn't the handheld codenamed "Kennan," as that's still on track. The one being put on the shelf is a native Xbox device, more akin to the Nintendo Switch 2 than a Steam Deck or Windows handheld. It was designed to run full Xbox games like a traditional console. According to the report, Microsoft has three console prototypes in development for its next-generation gaming platforms. The handheld would have been the fourth potential device. It's important to note that this is just temporary. Microsoft still has handheld gaming on its radar. Part of that focus is shifted to improving Windows 11's handheld gaming performance, but it's also about releasing its handheld console at some point. "Microsoft is still deeply investing in developing its own Xbox gaming handheld technology in the future," reads the Windows Central report. The company is also focused on cloud gaming. The report states that the company is now testing next-generation Xbox cloud systems at its headquarters, which is exciting for those with fast enough internet to take advantage of the cloud's processing power. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Perhaps Microsoft plans to see how the Asus Kennan device does before it dips its toe more aggressively into the space. Rather than risking its resources, Microsoft can utilize its partnership with Asus to gauge whether gamers are ready for a handheld with Xbox branding attached.
