Microsoft Pauses First-Party Xbox Handheld to Focus on Windows 11 Portable Performance

Well, here we go, diving into the messy world of tech gossip. So, Microsoft – yeah, that gigantic software overlord – seems to be tweaking its game plan. Apparently, they’ve hit pause on making their own Xbox handheld thing. Wild, right? Instead, they’re lovin’ up to Windows 11 tweaks and ASUS’s rumored creation, called “Kennan.” At least that’s what Windows Central whispers.

Now, why would Microsoft do that? Maybe it’s the SteamOS effect. Folks have been riding the SteamOS wave on Windows 11 gadgets, like, forever. Lenovo’s Legion Go S even flirts with both systems. But hey, SteamOS doesn’t do Game Pass. Some don’t mind. Performance perks and whatnot.

Okay, rewind. What’s this Xbox handheld buzz? Word on the street was that Microsoft had all sorts of handheld dreams – an Xbox one and another with ASUS. The ASUS one, “Project Kennan,” is supposedly almost ready to hit the town. According to rumors, it could be in our hands later this year.

Ah, sadly, the native Xbox device, which might’ve played full console games, is chilling in the “maybe later” zone. For now, anyway. And honestly, a lot of these handhelds are cozying up to Windows 11 by default, but SteamOS is shaking things up. It’s not just about the Legion Go S; the ASUS ROG Ally jumps in on the double-OS fun too. Performance champions, they call it.

Alright, enough tech ramble. Check out Tom’s Hardware if you’re into news, reviews, or just want something smart to read. They’re on Google News, in case you wondered. Just smash that follow button. Or don’t. Who’s keeping track?