potential collaboration between Microsoft and Asus for creating a portable Xbox gaming device may become a tangible reality.
In the world of gaming, excitement is building as two new handheld devices are expected to hit the market later this year. One of these devices, the Lenovo Legion Go S, will be running SteamOS, while the other, codenamed Project Kennan, is rumoured to be a collaboration between Microsoft and ASUS.
Valve has opened its SteamOS platform for the upcoming Lenovo Legion Go S, aiming to provide a seamless gaming experience for users. The SteamOS version of the Legion Go S is set to be released, joining its Windows counterpart that's already available.
Meanwhile, Project Kennan, if confirmed, will mark a significant step for Microsoft as they aim to make Xbox the default experience on OEM handhelds from companies like Lenovo, Asus, and MSI. The manufacturer of this handheld, which resembles the Steam Deck and works with Windows, is ASUS. The product is reportedly named the ROG Xbox Ally.
Microsoft is also planning to unveil a storefront as popular as Steam for its Xbox platform. Project Bayside, a new UX for the Xbox-Windows combination, is designed to create a more console-like experience. It may include an app store specific to Xbox games, further enhancing the console-like feel.
The ROG Xbox Ally is expected to feature Xbox branding and may include an "X" button, similar to the Series X console. The handheld is said to use a new chip, the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme, promising powerful performance.
The design for the Xbox handheld, as yet unknown, is hoped not to be as chunky as the DIY design that has been created. The inclusion of black-and-white buttons could appeal to nostalgic gamers, adding a touch of familiarity to the device.
Asus is no stranger to the handheld gaming market, having previously created the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X handhelds. If successful, the new handheld from Asus could mark a new generation of console-like handheld gaming, similar to the Steam Deck.
In addition, the next-gen Xbox hardware, expected in 2027, may resemble a PC rather than a traditional Xbox. It's also speculated that this next-gen hardware may incorporate third-party game storefronts, including Steam.
Xbox CEO Phil Spencer has expressed interest in the ROG Ally handheld, indicating a possible shift in Microsoft's approach to handheld gaming. The upcoming releases of the Lenovo Legion Go S and the ROG Xbox Ally promise an exciting future for portable gaming.
