According to an exclusive from our friends at Windows Central, Microsoft has reportedly shelved its Xbox native handheld momentarily, as it will now shift its focus to Windows 11’s optimization for third-party handheld gaming PCs – and ‘Project Kennan’, a new Xbox-themed handheld in collaboration with Asus.
Windows 11 is yet to feature a ‘handheld’ mode or anything that focuses on portability to help streamline the handheld gaming experience.
However, it’s clear that Valve’s success has lit a fire under Microsoft to take handheld gaming seriously – and rightly so, as many would argue.
I say this because I can almost guarantee that without the praise of SteamOS and the recent criticisms of Windows 11, Microsoft wouldn’t lift a finger.
Regardless, I’m pleased to hear that Valve has essentially been a catalyst for Microsoft to take handheld gaming and Windows 11 optimization more seriously, because it’s been needed for a very long time now.
Microsoft is allegedly putting Windows 11 handheld gaming PC optimization ahead of its Xbox native handheld.
The partnership with Asus on the “Project Kennan” handheld is still in progress.
It seems to be a direct reaction to the success of Valve’s SteamOS, which was made available for handheld devices other than Steam Decks.
Microsoft appears to have set aside one of its most anticipated devices to compete with the Linux-based operating system because Valve has recently brought attention to handheld gaming PCs by bringing SteamOS support to handhelds that are not Steam Deck.
Microsoft has allegedly put its Xbox native handheld on hold for the time being in order to concentrate on optimizing Windows 11 for third-party handheld gaming PCs and “Project Kennan,” a new Xbox-themed handheld developed in partnership with Asus, according to an exclusive from our friends at Windows Central.
This comes soon after the release of a new Lenovo Legion Go S, a handheld gaming PC with an official SteamOS license. It seems that Microsoft may have refocused its priorities as a result of the SteamOS version’s superior gaming performance over the Windows 11 model.
Windows 11 does not yet have a “handheld” mode or any other portability-focused features that would simplify handheld gaming. Although tools like Xbox Game Bar and software like Armoury Crate have made it easier for handheld gamers to access games quickly and adjust other TDP settings, they have struggled to match the SteamOS gaming experience.
It’s unclear if Project Kennan, the code-named handheld, will be the eagerly anticipated Asus ROG Ally replacement. But it’s evident that Microsoft is now taking handheld gaming seriously as a result of Valve’s success, and many would argue that this is due to good reason.
Analysis: This is precisely why it’s important for gamers to express their frustrations.
If there is one thing that Microsoft’s reported actions demonstrate, it is that it is effective to voice your grievances and frustrations. I say this because I can practically promise that Microsoft wouldn’t change a thing if it weren’t for the accolades received by SteamOS and the recent complaints from Windows 11.
This also holds true for the abrupt increase in game prices. Since Nintendo started it, I’m still very worried and insistent about bringing down the price of $80 games. Instead of simply “accepting it” and allowing it to set a precedent, make as much of an impression as you can about how you feel.
The only thing I’ve ever seen work is protesting against measures that are out of line, and Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo are all more than capable of doing better and being reasonable with consumers.
In any case, I’m happy to learn that Valve has essentially acted as a catalyst for Microsoft to give Windows 11 optimization and handheld gaming more serious consideration, as these things have long been needed.
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