Microsoft Partners with Asus for Xbox Handheld
Microsoft is reportedly collaborating with Asus to develop an Xbox-branded gaming handheld, codenamed “Project Kennan.” While initial reports suggested a launch in 2025, new information indicates that this device will be manufactured by Asus and aims to merge Windows and Xbox gaming experiences. The handheld is expected to feature a user interface similar to that of Xbox consoles, enhancing accessibility for gamers across platforms.
Asus to Manufacture Xbox Handheld
According to a report from The Verge’s Tom Warren, Microsoft is focusing its gaming strategy on integrating Windows and Xbox experiences. Sources familiar with the project revealed that the handheld device is part of a broader initiative to create a universal library for PC and console games. This device, manufactured by Asus, aligns with the company’s existing line of Windows-based gaming handhelds, such as the Asus ROG Ally. Internally referred to as “Project Kennan,” the handheld is expected to launch later this year. It will operate on a modified version of Windows, featuring an interface that closely resembles that of Xbox consoles. This initiative, codenamed Project Bayside, aims to unify the Xbox interface across various devices, allowing Xbox games to be accessible on Windows PCs and handhelds alike. The goal is to create a seamless gaming experience, where players can access a single storefront for both Xbox and PC games, enhancing the versatility of gaming across different platforms.
Features of Project Kennan
Windows Central has confirmed details about the Asus-manufactured handheld, stating that it will share design elements with the ROG Ally while incorporating Xbox-specific features. The device is expected to have more prominent grips and a dedicated Xbox guide-style button, catering to the gaming community’s preferences. As a Windows-based device, the handheld will support various game storefronts and launchers, including Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and others. Pricing for the base model is anticipated to range between $499 and $599 (approximately Rs. 43,400 to Rs. 52,000), with two different SKUs likely available at launch. An official reveal is expected this summer, ahead of the device’s anticipated release later in the year.
While neither Microsoft nor Asus has officially announced the handheld, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has previously expressed interest in developing an Xbox handheld. In a November 2024 interview with Bloomberg, Spencer mentioned that the company was exploring prototypes and gathering insights from the market, although he noted that a fully realized handheld device might still be a few years away
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