Microsoft’s portable Xbox console plans have undergone a significant change. The company’s own handheld console project, which it has been working on for a long time, has been suspended. Instead, a third-party Xbox handheld console, known as “Project Kennan” and developed in partnership with ASUS, will be developed.

Microsoft suspends portable Xbox console

Recently, Microsoft’s efforts to develop software and interfaces specific to handheld consoles have attracted attention in line with its goal of making the Xbox and Windows platforms more integrated. However, this new software will no longer be for Microsoft’s own hardware, but for devices developed in collaboration.

According to the latest information, Microsoft’s own production Xbox handheld console project has been put on the back burner. It was previously known that the company was working on at least three different prototypes. However, these prototypes are not expected to be released as a commercial product in the short term.

In this context, the Project Kennan project, which ASUS is developing, will represent Microsoft’s portable console vision. It is stated that the device has reached its final configuration on the hardware side. The device, which is stated to be powered by AMD’s new generation Z2 Extreme chip, may be released by the end of the year.

It is estimated that Microsoft’s decision is influenced by the competition and risks in the portable gaming market. The company will be in this sector with its software infrastructure instead of directly competing with hardware in the sector where products such as Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally are located.

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