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

Sure thing. So, I was just browsing the web and stumbled upon this whole ordeal with Microsoft and their handheld gaming console plans. Honestly, it caught my eye, but you know how things go — I’m easily distracted by these tech sagas.

Okay, here’s the gist. It seems Microsoft is hitting pause on its own Xbox handheld. Why, you ask? Apparently, they’re now all about optimizing gaming on Windows 11 handhelds. Oh, and something called ‘Kennan’ from Asus is getting front-row attention. Yeah, ASUS is doing their bit too — stepping in with this mysterious ‘Kennan’ device. Sounds intense, right? Windows Central spilled the beans on this one.

Now, here’s where it gets spicy. People have been having a blast using SteamOS on devices that should be all about Windows 11. Go figure. Lenovo’s got this thing, the Legion Go S, right? And, funnily enough, it plays nice with both Windows 11 and SteamOS. Perfect harmony? Maybe not, but it’s close. Sure, if you’re running SteamOS, you have to say goodbye to Game Pass. Kind of a bummer, sure. Yet folks seem alright with that trade. Go figure.

So, rewind a bit. Microsoft had these grand plans — multiple devices, their own Xbox handheld, and then this Asus collaboration. Project Kennan—such a secretive name, by the way—has been whispered about for, like, ever. Word is, it might hit the shelves later this year. Windows Central says the hardware’s pretty much ready to go. Cool, huh?

Now, what’s got everyone chewing their nails is Microsoft’s native Xbox experience that’s been shoved aside for now. Just like that. They wanted something that screams Xbox, could handle full games and everything. But nope. Not happening just yet.

In the gaming world, Windows 11 is like the big shot on the block for handhelds, but SteamOS is definitely shaking things up. Not just in the Legion Go S realm, but the Asus ROG Ally too. SteamOS is pretty slick on performance, but Windows 11, of course, has all its perks and goodies.

Oh, and by the way, if you’re into tech updates, following Tom’s Hardware on Google News might keep you in the loop. Just click that Follow button… whenever you remember.

And there you have it – the weird and wonderful world of Microsoft’s gaming ventures. Intrigue, suspense, and just a touch of chaos. Just another day in tech paradise, I suppose.