- “Project Kennan” will be Xbox’s handheld manufactured in collaboration with Asus, and it is set for release this year.
- The handheld will cost anywhere between $499 to $599.
- The device is essentially a PC featuring Xbox UI and is part of Project Bayside, an attempt to expand the Xbox ecosystem.
Microsoft previously mentioned that it aims to merge the best of both PC and Xbox for handhelds starting this year. However, this statement looked confusing since the gaming giant planned to release its handheld alongside next-gen Xbox consoles.
While the next-gen consoles might still be far from launch, the Xbox handheld is releasing sooner than expected. According to a new report, “Project Kennan” is being developed in partnership with Asus and is expected to be released this year.
Why it matters: With Xbox’s debut handheld console and an Xbox-friendly ecosystem, the handheld market may change for the better. It’ll be exciting to see what Innovation Microsoft brings to the market.
According to Windows Central, Xbox’s handheld is actually a PC being manufactured in collaboration with Asus. The final device will blend the styles of both Asus and Xbox.
The final product will be closer to Asus Rog Ally, with styling similar to that of an Xbox controller. Project Kennan is expected to cost between $499 and $599.
As a PC, the handheld will also support other gaming stores such as Steam, Epic Games Store, and more. Moreover, the next Xbox is also reported to be a PC in a console-friendly casing.
In a similar report by The Verge, this platform work is done under “Project Bayside,” which will be a unified UI across all devices as a part of their expansion of the Xbox ecosystem.
Microsoft is expected to unveil the handheld during the Xbox Summer Showcase, just around the corner.
Asus is also working on another rendition of the Rog Ally, so it’s unknown whether Project Kennan will be the newer handheld or just a separate device. Still, Microsoft will bring the Xbox ecosystem to other handhelds starting this year as part of its “Xbox Play Anywhere” motive.
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[News Reporter]
Shaheer is currently pursuing a Business degree while also working as a part-time Content Writer. With his deep passion for both writing and video games, he has seamlessly transitioned into a role as a Journalist. Over the past two years, Shaheer has contributed as a freelancer to various websites and landed positions on acclaimed platforms like Gamerant. Currently, his role at Tech4gamers is as a Features Writer, but he also covers News occasionally. Shaheer’s favorite gaming franchises are Assassin’s Creed and the God of War series.
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