Microsoft Pauses Xbox Handheld Development to Focus on Windows 11 Optimization for Portables

Okay, so there’s this buzz about Microsoft and their gaming console plans. It’s like they’ve hit pause on their own Xbox handheld. Kind of unexpected, right? (Or maybe not, if you’ve been following the drama.) Anyway, word is they’re all in on making Windows 11 magical for those gaming gadgets out there. I stumbled across this in some Windows Central report. So, picture this: Microsoft is sorta stepping back on their first-party console project and letting Asus, with its cool codename ‘Kennan’, take the wheel.

Now, you might be scratching your head, wondering if this has anything to do with the SteamOS and its success on Windows 11 gadgets. You know those days when things just work out better than planned? Well, that’s kinda what SteamOS users are experiencing, except they gotta say goodbye to Game Pass. Tragic, I know. But hey, it’s a fair trade for some folks who are all in for that epic performance.

For those out of the loop, Microsoft had a dream, or maybe a rough draft of a dream, to pump out these handheld gaming gadgets. They even had this groovy internal Xbox device idea and a partnership with Asus under this mysterious Project Kennan. Can you keep a secret? The whispers say Kennan might see the light of day later this year. And guess what? The gadget is pretty much ready to roll.

Pity though, the homegrown Xbox handheld — it was meant to vibe like a mini Xbox in your palm, playing full-blown Xbox games. But oh well, it’s taking a nap for now. But wait, the introduction of SteamOS – kind of like shaking a soda can, right? Chaos everywhere! You’ve got these slick devices like Lenovo’s Legion Go S and Asus’s ROG Ally juggling both SteamOS and Windows 11. Talk about multitasking! SteamOS screams with performance, but Windows 11? It’s like the cool kid who knows everyone — part of the Windows crowd.

And hey, if you’re into all this techy stuff (I swear I am, sometimes), swing by Tom’s Hardware on Google News. Apparently, that’s where all the cool kids get their updates. Or so they say.