Asus Builds Xbox Handheld PC for Microsoft
- The gaming world is buzzing with anticipation as reports suggest Microsoft is developing an Xbox-branded handheld device, possibly launching by the end of 2025.
- According to a report published on March 11, 2025, an Xbox handheld is indeed on the horizon.
- Contrary to expectations of a dedicated Xbox operating system, the handheld is rumored to run on Windows.
Xbox Handheld: What to Expect From Microsoft’s Gaming Device
Table of Contents
- Xbox Handheld: What to Expect From Microsoft’s Gaming Device
- Xbox Handheld: Your Questions Answered
- Will There Be an Xbox Handheld?
- What Operating System Will the Xbox Handheld Use?
- Who Is Manufacturing the Xbox Handheld?
- What About Future Xbox Handhelds?
- How Much Will the xbox Handheld Cost?
- What Are the Expected Specs of the xbox Handheld?
- What Is the Release Timeline for the xbox Handheld?
- Summary of Key information
The gaming world is buzzing with anticipation as reports suggest Microsoft is developing an Xbox-branded handheld device, possibly launching by the end of 2025. This move signals a significant shift in Microsoft’s gaming strategy, expanding beyond customary consoles and PCs.
Xbox Handheld Launching Soon?
According to a report published on March 11, 2025, an Xbox handheld is indeed on the horizon. The report confirms that the device is slated for release later this year. This growth marks a pivotal moment for Xbox, potentially broadening its reach in the gaming market.
Windows-Based System
Contrary to expectations of a dedicated Xbox operating system, the handheld is rumored to run on Windows. This decision opens up a vast library of games and applications, providing users with flexibility beyond the Xbox ecosystem.
However, this also means it might not natively support Xbox games. Despite this, Microsoft is reportedly revamping its Xbox apps to optimize them for smaller screens, enhancing the user experience on the handheld.
The advantage of using Windows is clear: access to platforms like Steam and the Epic games Launcher. This compatibility ensures a wide array of gaming options for users.
ASUS Collaboration
An update on March 12, 2025, indicates that ASUS is reportedly manufacturing the handheld, codenamed “Kennan.” ASUS’s experience with Windows-based handhelds, such as the ROG ally and ROG Ally X, makes them a suitable partner for Microsoft.
This collaboration suggests the new Xbox handheld could resemble an “ROG Ally 2 with Xbox branding.”
Future Xbox Handhelds
Internally, this device is considered a “proof of concept.” Microsoft is also reportedly working on its own handheld, designed to run Xbox games natively. However, this model is not expected to launch until 2027.
Potential Cost
Predicting the cost of the Xbox handheld is challenging, as it depends on the final specifications and features. As noted on Pure Xbox, “it’s really hard to know how much an Xbox handheld will cost right now, as we really need more details to form an educated opinion.”
Given that it’s expected to be a Windows handheld PC,it likely won’t be cheap. Devices like the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go serve as benchmarks, indicating a potentially higher price point compared to traditional consoles.
Hardware Speculations
While specific hardware details remain under wraps, a Ryzen processor seems likely, given its presence in the current Xbox consoles. AMD’s strong GPUs also make it a viable option for powering the handheld.
Release Timeline
An official announcement could come as early as this summer, possibly during Microsoft’s Xbox Showcase in early June.The market launch is anticipated by the end of the year.
Conclusion
The rumored xbox handheld represents a bold step for Microsoft, potentially reshaping the gaming landscape. While details are still emerging, the prospect of a portable Xbox experience is generating considerable excitement among gamers.
Xbox Handheld: Your Questions Answered
The prospect of an Xbox handheld is generating buzz in the gaming community. This Q&A article compiles the latest information, rumors, and expert opinions to address your burning questions about Microsoft’s potential entry into the handheld gaming market.
Will There Be an Xbox Handheld?
Is an Xbox handheld launching soon? Reports indicate that Microsoft is indeed developing an Xbox-branded handheld device, perhaps launching by the end of 2025. A report published on March 11, 2025, confirms the device is slated for release later this year.
What does this mean for Xbox’s strategy? This move signifies a shift in Microsoft’s gaming strategy, expanding beyond customary consoles and PCs to capture a share of the portable gaming market.
What is Microsoft’s VP of “Next Generation” saying about a handheld PC? Microsoft is invested in combining the best of Xbox and Windows”.
What Operating System Will the Xbox Handheld Use?
Will the Xbox Handheld run on Windows or a dedicated Xbox OS? Rumors suggest the handheld will run on Windows rather than a dedicated Xbox operating system.
What are the benefits of using Windows? The advantage of using Windows is clear: access to platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Launcher. This compatibility ensures a wide array of gaming options for users.
Will it support Xbox games? While it might not natively support Xbox games initially, Microsoft is reportedly revamping its Xbox apps to optimize them for smaller screens, enhancing the user experience on the handheld.
Who Is Manufacturing the Xbox Handheld?
Who is manufacturing the Xbox Handheld “Kennan”? ASUS is reportedly manufacturing the handheld, codenamed “Kennan.”
Why ASUS? ASUS’s experience with Windows-based handhelds such as the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X, makes them a suitable partner for Microsoft.
What can we expect from this collaboration? This collaboration suggests the new Xbox handheld could resemble an “ROG Ally 2 with Xbox branding.”
What About Future Xbox Handhelds?
Is Microsoft planning more handheld devices? Internally, this device is considered a “proof of concept.” Microsoft is also reportedly working on its own handheld, designed to run Xbox games natively.
When will a native Xbox handheld launch? This model is not expected to launch until 2027.
How Much Will the xbox Handheld Cost?
How much will the Xbox handheld cost? Predicting the cost of the Xbox handheld is challenging,as it depends on the final specifications and features.
What impacts the price? It is indeed expected to be a Windows handheld PC, it likely won’t be cheap. Devices like the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go serve as benchmarks, indicating a potentially higher price point compared to traditional consoles.
What Are the Expected Specs of the xbox Handheld?
What are the likely hardware components? While specific hardware details remain under wraps, a Ryzen processor seems likely, given its presence in the current Xbox consoles. AMD’s strong GPUs also make it a viable option for powering the handheld.
What Is the Release Timeline for the xbox Handheld?
When will the Xbox Handheld be announced? An official announcement could come as early as this summer, possibly during Microsoft’s Xbox Showcase in early June.
When is the anticipated market launch? the market launch is anticipated by the end of the year.
Summary of Key information
| Feature | Details |
| —————— | ——————————————————————————————————– |
| Launch Date | Potentially by the end of 2025 |
| Operating System | Rumored to be windows-based |
| Manufacturer | Reportedly ASUS (Codenamed: Keenan) |
| Future Handhelds | Microsoft is working on its own handheld designed to run Xbox games natively (expected in 2027) |
| Potential Cost | Likely higher than traditional consoles due to Windows-based system and comparable devices (ROG Ally,etc.) |
| Hardware | Speculation of Ryzen processor and AMD GPU |
| Announcement | Possible announcement in early June at Xbox showcase |