Microsoft intends to dominate the portable gaming market by abandoning self-production.
The volatile gaming industry, not confined solely to software, has claimed another victim: Microsoft's long-anticipated first-party Xbox handheld.
According to a report from Windows Central, Microsoft has ceased development on the handheld Xbox device to focus on optimizing Windows 11 gaming experiences.
The project, codenamed "Kennan" in collaboration with Asus, has not been abandoned. Rather, Microsoft is shifting resources to enhance the performance of Windows 11, particularly for devices like the "Project Kennan," aiming to create a more robust and competitive ecosystem for portable gaming on Windows devices.
Earlier plans targeted the launch of the Xbox handheld alongside Microsoft's next-generation Xbox home console in 2027. However, the handheld device has been indefinitely delayed, while the Xbox Series X successor is still expected to launch during that window.
While Microsoft has postponed its own handheld gaming device, it remains committed to developing its own Xbox gaming handheld in the future. In the meantime, Microsoft is focusing on third-party OEM handhelds as interim priorities.
The delay in Microsoft's first-party handheld was prompted by the need to compete more effectively with rival platforms, such as SteamOS, which offers superior battery life and performance on handheld gaming devices. By optimizing Windows 11 for these third-party systems, Microsoft aims to provide a more well-rounded gaming experience for portable Windows devices.
On the market, the Lenovo Legion Go S with SteamOS presents strong competition for Microsoft's Windows-based gaming handhelds due to its better battery life, smoother performance, and lower price. However, Microsoft optimizing Windows 11 for gaming handhelds might offset some of these advantages.
As the landscape of portable gaming evolves, Microsoft's strategic move shows a commitment to both its own hardware and the Windows gaming ecosystem. No layoffs have been reported due to this reprioritization.
[1] Citation omitted: The report did not specify the source for the third-party handheld device launch date.[2] Citation omitted: The report did not specify the source for the information about Microsoft's focus on third-party OEM handhelds.[3] Citation omitted: The report did not specify the source for the information about the next-generation Xbox console's launch.[4] Citation omitted: The report did not specify the source for the information about the motivation behind Microsoft's shift and focus on Windows 11 optimization.[5] Citation omitted: The report did not specify the source for the information about resources being reallocated to support partner projects and ensure strong software support on third-party devices.
- Despite ceasing development on its first-party Xbox handheld, Microsoft is still dedicated to creating its own Xbox gaming handheld in the future.
- In the interim, Microsoft is prioritizing third-party OEM handhelds, recognizing the strong competition they pose, such as the Lenovo Legion Go S with SteamOS.
- The Lenovo Legion Go S offers advantages over Windows-based gaming handhelds with its superior battery life, smoother performance, and lower price.
- Microsoft's shift in focus is to optimize Windows 11 for these third-party systems, aiming to provide a more well-rounded gaming experience for portable Windows devices.
- The strategic move indicates a commitment from Microsoft to both its own hardware and the Windows gaming ecosystem, without any reported layoffs due to the reprioritization.
- Project Kennan, Microsoft's collaboration with Asus, remains ongoing as resources are reallocated to enhance the performance of Windows 11, targeting devices like Project Kennan to create a more robust and competitive portable gaming ecosystem on Windows devices.
- The delay in Microsoft's first-party handheld was prompted by the need to compete more effectively with rival platforms, such as SteamOS, which boasts superior battery life and performance on handheld gaming devices.
