Microsoft Pauses First-Party Xbox Handheld to Focus on Windows 11 Portable Optimization

I stumbled across something the other day—some sort of disruption in the handheld gaming world. Microsoft, you know them, right? They’ve been toying around with this idea of creating their own Xbox handheld console. Not sure why I remember this, but like, they’re suddenly hitting pause on it. Weird, isn’t it? Instead, seems they’re all-in on optimizing Windows 11 for these handhelds. And there’s Asus, with this thing called ‘Kennan’—no clue who named it that, but let’s roll with it.

Now here’s the kicker: folks are loving SteamOS on these Windows-compatible gadgets. Just recently, I heard about the Lenovo Legion Go S, which runs both SteamOS and Windows 11. There’s a catch, of course, like losing Game Pass if you switch to SteamOS. But those who don’t mind? They’re raving about the performance. Who knew, right?

Ah, where was I? Oh yes—so if you’re out of the loop, Microsoft was juggling a couple of different handheld projects. Their own Xbox-branded gadget and this shindig with Asus. This Project Kennan thing has been circulating in whispers—by the way, Windows Central insists it’s dropping later this year. Hardware’s supposedly locked in. Exciting—or maybe not, depending on your vibe.

Now, Microsoft’s own device was like an all-in Xbox experience. A console in your pocket. But it’s on ice for now. And why? Windows 11 isn’t just the defacto for handhelds. SteamOS has shaken things up big time. The Legion Go S, like I mentioned, and the Asus ROG Ally support both systems. SteamOS is favored for performance kicks, whereas Windows 11 hands you the keys to its whole ecosystem. Choices, choices.

Anyway, if you can’t get enough of this tech rollercoaster, Tom’s Hardware on Google News is probably your ticket. They’re always dishing out the latest updates and reviews. Just hit follow and thank me later.