Microsoft Pauses Xbox Handheld Project to Improve Portable Performance on Windows 11

Alright, so I’ve been poking around the latest buzz about Microsoft tossing its handheld stuff in the back closet for now. I mean, they’re more about jazzing up Windows 11 for those handheld gizmos and letting this Asus deal, “Kennan” or whatever they’re calling it, steal the show – saw that tidbit on Windows Central, by the way.

Honestly, it’s kinda wild considering everyone and their dog seems to be all about SteamOS on these gadgets that do the Windows 11 dance. Lenovo’s Legion Go S – a mouthful, right? – lets you switch between SteamOS and Windows 11. Not gonna lie, you lose some perks like Game Pass, but if you don’t mind the trade-off, boy, does it run like a dream on SteamOS.

So, if you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t caught the Xbox handheld gossip, here’s the scoop. Microsoft was juggling a few ideas: their own Xbox handheld doodad and then this team-up with Asus which, rumor has it, is still gunning for a launch this year. Hardware’s basically done, apparently.

Anyhoo, Microsoft’s own baby was gonna vibe more like an actual Xbox – full games and all that goodness. But for reasons beyond my comprehension, it’s now sitting on the back burner, collecting dust. Go figure.

Windows 11 has kinda been a stable when it comes to these portable consoles, but with SteamOS shaking things up, who knows what’ll happen next. Lenovo and Asus are rolling with both now. SteamOS seems to edge out in performance, while Windows 11 keeps the door open to the whole Windows universe.

Anyway, not to change the subject too abruptly or anything, but if you’re keen on keeping up with the chaos, hit up Tom’s Hardware on Google News. Stay in the loop, folks.

Who knows where this handheld saga’s heading? Maybe it’s all part of a grand plan or maybe they’re just winging it like the rest of us. Either way, worth keeping an eye on it, I reckon.