Microsoft has paused the event of its Xbox handheld gaming console, in keeping with a report. Beforehand anticipated to reach as a part of the corporate’s subsequent technology of consoles, the native Xbox handheld has been placed on the back-burner. The Redmond firm is reportedly engaged on optimising Home windows 11 for handheld consoles, in order that it’s on par with Valve’s SteamOS, which gives higher efficiency and battery effectivity. Different upcoming consoles, just like the Xbox-branded Asus gadget (codenamed Challenge Kennan) are mentioned to be unaffected by Microsoft’s choice.
Microsoft Shifts Focus to Home windows 11 Amid Menace From SteamOS
Home windows Central reviews that Microsoft’s inner Xbox handheld console has been shelved, which signifies that it may not arrive in 2027, alongside Microsoft’s next-gen Xbox consoles. The primary get together handheld isn’t the identical as different upcoming transportable consoles like Asus’ Challenge Kennan, which continues to be anticipated to reach later this 12 months.
The corporate plans to work on optimising Home windows 11 to run on handheld consoles, which implies that upcoming third get together handhelds might arrive with a extra optimised model of Microsoft’s desktop working system. In our evaluations of beforehand launched handhelds, we have discovered that a number of the largest points with Home windows operating on these units embody poor battery life, navigation points, and software program updates.
Microsoft’s choice to focus its efforts on Home windows 11 for handhelds may need been spurred by the SteamOS’ growth past the Steam Deck. Earlier this 12 months, Lenovo unveiled the Legion Go S, which gives higher efficiency than the Steam Deck, and in addition runs on Valve’s working system. SteamOS can also be anticipated to reach on related handheld units sooner or later.
SteamOS-powered units will not be Microsoft’s solely concern, with the Nintendo Change 2 proper across the nook. The Japanese agency’s handheld is slated to reach in choose markets in June, and can compete with current transportable consoles.
The Redmond firm’s concentrate on optimising Home windows 11 for handhelds might enhance the general expertise of utilizing these units. Asus is predicted to launch its Challenge Kennan console later in 2025, as per current reviews. The gadget was not too long ago noticed in a list on the US FCC web site, giving us a very good take a look at its design.
The report signifies that the first-party handheld from Microsoft may need been able to operating Xbox video games, and the corporate nonetheless plans to launch a local handheld. It is at the moment unclear whether or not this gadget will make its debut in 2027 or 2028, which is when the corporate’s next-gen consoles are anticipated to reach.
