Microsoft made the right decision to shelve the Xbox handheld for 'Kennan' and focus on Windows 11 PC gaming, despite my personal reservations.
Microsoft's first-party Xbox handheld has reportedly been postponed, likely indefinitely. Contrasting reports indicate that this handheld device, distinct from the ASUS partner device with codename Kennan, was being developed to run native Xbox games, not Windows PC games.
The postponement of the Xbox handheld, for which the codename remains unclear, marks a delay in fulfilling long-held dreams of many old-school Xbox fans. This device would have enabled gamers to carry their Xbox library wherever they go. However, it now appears that consumers may have to wait even longer to experience this mobility, should it ever materialize.
As core Xbox gamers' free time diminishes due to various reasons, including changes in user habits and increased competition for attention, platforms like Xbox and Microsoft are adapting to these changes. This adaptation is reflected in Microsoft's move to bring Xbox games to various other gaming platforms.
In light of these adjustments, building a portable Xbox console aligns with Xbox's objectives. Recent advancements in technology have made it possible to achieve gaming laptop-like power in smaller devices, a factor that Microsoft considers when developing portable gaming solutions.
The decision to postpone the Xbox handheld comes amidst a significant threat from SteamOS, which poses a "DEFCON 1 level" challenge for Windows 11 among consumers. As of writing, Steam OS accounts for 96% of the total OS market share on Steam, and this figure is growing monthly as more users gravitate towards gaming PCs and laptops instead of traditional consoles.
Recent comparisons on hardware like the Lenovo Legion Go S have shown that SteamOS significantly outperforms Windows 11, offering better battery life, frame rate, and general performance in some cases. This performance delta can be attributed to SteamOS' leaner background process load, reduced telemetry, and Linux-based power management optimized for handheld devices.
Valve’s Proton compatibility layer has largely eliminated the historical shortcomings of Linux-based systems regarding game compatibility, enabling the vast majority of Steam games to run smoothly on SteamOS. This compatibility boost, combined with better performance, makes SteamOS an attractive alternative for gaming consumers looking for a more streamlined experience.
While Windows 11 retains advantages in areas like native support for Microsoft Game Pass and advanced AMD frame generation technologies, its bloatware and privacy concerns may prompt more gamers to explore alternatives, such as SteamOS. If SteamOS continues to expand its ecosystem and address its current limitations, it could potentially erode Windows' market share in gaming devices, forcing Microsoft to reassess its approach to gaming OS design.
- The delayed release of the Xbox handheld, with its codename yet unknown, has left many old-school Xbox fans yearning for a mobile Xbox library.
- Unlike the ASUS partner device codename Kennan, which was intended to run native Xbox games on Windows PCs, the postponed device was designed to run games directly.
- With the Xbox handheld on hold, consumers may need to wait longer for the freedom to carry their Xbox library anywhere.
- As core Xbox gamers confront reduced free time due to shifting habits and intensified competition for attention, Microsoft is adapting by bringing Xbox games to a range of platforms.
- The postponement of the Xbox handheld coincides with a serious challenge from SteamOS, which is becoming increasingly popular among consumers.
- SteamOS, accounting for 96% of the total OS market share on Steam, offers better battery life, frame rate, and performance compared to Windows 11 on devices like the Lenovo Legion Go S.
- Valve’s Proton compatibility layer and SteamOS's running of the vast majority of Steam games have made it a more appealing option for gaming consumers seeking a sleeker experience, potentially eroding Windows' market share in gaming devices.
