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Earlier this week, Microsoft’s bold new hardware plans for its gaming platform were revealed in a report that includes an Xbox-branded gaming handheld developed in collaboration with a popular OEM and could be released as soon as late 2025.
More details regarding this Xbox-branded gaming handheld have emerged, including the name of the OEM, the target price, and possible unraveling window.
The initial report comes from The Verge’s Tom Warren, who reiterated a few previously discussed details, with the caveat that the device’s internal codename is “Project Kennan,” not “Project Keenan,” which was previously reported.
Soon after, Windows Central’s Jez Corden wrote another article, acknowledging the mistake with the codename and revealing further interesting details.
ASUS is collaborating with Microsoft to develop its first gaming handheld
Corden initially said Microsoft had enlisted the help of a major OEM—ASUS, Lenovo, MSI, or Razer, for its Xbox-branded gaming handheld project.
However, at that time, he wasn’t sure which OEM branding was helping Microsoft to develop the product.
He now says that the OEM developing the device is ASUS.
Meanwhile, Warren revealed in his article that the device will have the same design language as the ASUS ROG Ally but with Xbox flair.
The device will run Windows, but the interface will be more reminiscent of the Xbox console, which is reportedly part of a larger project codenamed “Bayside” to merge Xbox and Windows to create a unified Xbox UI.
The report also mentions that at least two device variants will be available, with the base model having a price point between $499 and $599.
However, at this point, it is unclear how the variants will differ from each other, whether it’s a more powerful chip like ROG Ally or a bigger SSD.
Unfortunately, Corden also adds that the price could change in the United States due to the newly added tariffs on various commodities.
While Corden’s first article mentioned the device’s possible launch in late 2025, he now says that Project Kennan’s reveal could be as soon as summer, likely on May 19 during Microsoft Build or even in June during the Xbox Showcase, with a launch later in the year.
That’s all the reports have revealed. We are still unaware of a lot of details, like the processor, and we wouldn’t mind a good old leaked reader, but it seems we may have to wait a little longer to get the whole picture.
What do you think about this Xbox handheld so far? Would you buy one, or do you prefer a different platform? Tell us what you think below in the comments, or via our Twitter or Facebook.
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