Microsoft’s Partner Gaming Handheld with ASUS: A New Era for Xbox-Style Gaming Hardware
In a bold move to expand its gaming ecosystem, Microsoft is teaming up with ASUS to create a partner gaming handheld, codenamed “Project Kennan”. This innovative device is set to launch later this year, and we’ve got the scoop on what to expect.
A Windows PC in Gaming Handheld Form
At its core, Kennan is an OEM-built PC gaming handheld, similar to the ASUS ROG Ally or Lenovo Legion Go. This means that it will run Windows and be capable of playing a wide range of games, including those from Steam, Battle.net, GOG, and more. However, it’s important to note that Kennan will not be able to play most Xbox games, with the exception of those that are part of the Xbox Play Anywhere program.
Xbox-y Twist
According to our sources, Kennan will blend ASUS’ stylings with updated design conventions more typical of an “Xbox” style device. This includes more prominent grips and a dedicated Xbox guide-style button. It’s unclear whether Kennan will sit alongside any prospective “ASUS ROG Ally 2” as a separate SKU, or whether it is in essence the “ROG Ally 2”, subsidized by Xbox.
Target Price Range
Our sources indicate that the base model price range for Kennan will be between $499 and $599, which is slightly higher than the base model Steam Deck but lower than the Lenovo Legion Go RRP. There will also be two SKUs on offer, with the more expensive model potentially featuring more powerful chips or a larger SSD.
What’s Inside?
While we don’t have all the details on what’s inside Kennan, we can infer that it will likely be running the AMD “Z2” chipset, similar to the Lenovo Legion Go S base model. This would make sense given the price range and the fact that the “Z2 Extreme” chipset hasn’t appeared in a available device yet.
Xbox Cloud Gaming and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Kennan will also support Xbox Cloud Gaming, allowing users to play a selection of Xbox-only games on the device. Additionally, users will have access to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which provides a library of games to play on the device.
Conclusion
Microsoft’s partner gaming handheld with ASUS is an exciting development in the world of gaming hardware. With its Windows PC capabilities and Xbox-y twist, Kennan has the potential to appeal to a wide range of gamers. While we’re still waiting for more details on the device’s specifications and pricing, one thing is clear: Kennan is set to shake up the gaming landscape.
Actionable Insights
- Kennan is a Windows PC gaming handheld that will run a wide range of games, including those from Steam, Battle.net, GOG, and more.
- The device will not be able to play most Xbox games, with the exception of those that are part of the Xbox Play Anywhere program.
- Kennan will support Xbox Cloud Gaming and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
- The base model price range for Kennan is expected to be between $499 and $599.
- There will be two SKUs on offer, with the more expensive model potentially featuring more powerful chips or a larger SSD.
Summary
Microsoft’s partner gaming handheld with ASUS, codenamed “Project Kennan”, is a Windows PC gaming handheld that will run a wide range of games and support Xbox Cloud Gaming and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. With a target price range of between $499 and $599, Kennan has the potential to appeal to a wide range of gamers. While we’re still waiting for more details on the device’s specifications and pricing, one thing is clear: Kennan is set to shake up the gaming landscape.