Project Kennan, the enigmatic codename for Microsoft’s ambitious Xbox gaming handheld, remains firmly in the prototype phase, with its debut still a few years away. Amidst a whirlwind of speculation, whispers suggest that Microsoft may be eyeing a collaboration with an established PC manufacturer, echoing Valve’s successful partnership with Lenovo for the Legion Go S, which operates on SteamOS. Current rumors point to ASUS as the potential partner, igniting a flurry of excitement in the gaming community.
The anticipation surrounding this handheld is largely fueled by the expectation that it will showcase Microsoft’s refined gaming interface, a much-needed enhancement to Windows 11 that could elevate the handheld experience to a level of elegance and intuitiveness akin to SteamOS. Microsoft has indicated that the first iteration of this innovative device is slated for release within the year.
Turning our attention to the recent teaser trailer from ASUS, which has sparked considerable buzz, we find a visually captivating presentation featuring the company’s robot mascot, OMNI. In a whimsical narrative, OMNI embarks on an experiment to upgrade itself, culminating in a humorous mishap where both the ROG Ally X and the Raikiri Pro Xbox controller inadvertently enter a fusion pod alongside the playful mascot.
Upon sharing the video on X (formerly Twitter), ASUS received a prompt response from the official Xbox account, which playfully engaged with the classic “monkey side-eye” meme. This interaction was quickly interpreted as a subtle nod from Microsoft, further fueling the hype and leading to a flurry of articles heralding this as the inaugural product of the anticipated Xbox handheld partnership.
ROG Ally X Pro, Not The Xbox Hybrid You’re Expecting
However, it may be prudent to temper expectations. A closer examination of the trailer reveals several indicators that suggest this is not the highly awaited Xbox device featuring the new Windows UI for handhelds.
- The trailer prominently showcases four key upgrades: “Marathon stamina, more capacity, faster speed, and fresh look.” This translates to an enhanced ROG Ally X, boasting a larger battery, increased storage, a more powerful processor—likely the Ryzen Z2 Extreme—and a refreshed color scheme.
- The presence of the Raikiri Pro Xbox controller raises questions; if this were indeed the long-anticipated Xbox hybrid handheld, one might expect to see an Xbox Series S or Series X included in the mix.
All signs currently point to ASUS preparing to launch a ROG Ally X Pro, potentially with some integration of the Raikiri Pro controller. While this does not rule out ASUS as Microsoft’s hardware partner for the initial Xbox handheld featuring a SteamOS-like interface, the teaser trailer does not appear to be heralding the device that many are eagerly awaiting.
