Microsoft Pauses First-Party Xbox Handheld Development to Focus on Windows 11 Portability

Sure, here’s a messy, human-like take on the article:

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So, get this, Microsoft’s kinda paused their whole Xbox handheld thing. Yeah, I was surprised too. They’re like, “Hey, let’s focus on making Windows 11 rock on handhelds instead,” and let Asus do their thing with this ‘Kennan’ gadget. I read about it on Windows Central—and it kinda makes sense, I guess?

Maybe they saw everyone loving SteamOS on Windows 11 handhelds (why wouldn’t they?). Lenovo’s Legion Go S runs both SteamOS and Windows 11, but heads up—no Game Pass on SteamOS. Bummer for some, yet it seems to run smoother than I expected. Trade-offs, am I right?

Alright, let me fill you in if you’ve not been following. Microsoft’s been tinkering with handhelds, both their own and one with Asus. The Asus one, dubbed “Project Kennan” (sounds mysterious, eh?), is supposedly dropping later this year. Apparently, the hardware is pretty much ready—and I’m here waiting, popcorn in hand.

But yeah, Microsoft’s first-party project, which was supposed to run true-blue Xbox games? Tossed on the back burner, at least for now. Why do they do this? Is it just me, or does it seem like they can’t make up their mind?

Anyway—wait, where was I? Oh right, Windows 11 and handhelds. It’s been the go-to for ages, but SteamOS is like that new kid who shows up and shakes things up a bit. You can slap both OSes on Asus ROG Ally too. SteamOS is apparently king of performance town, but Windows 11? It throws open the gates to the whole Windows party, which is neat.

So, what’s the takeaway? Who knows. Everything’s in flux—but isn’t that typical? Follow Tom’s Hardware on Google News if you wanna stay in the loop. I do—but then again, I’m a nerd like that.