Asus is reportedly making the first handheld Xbox console

Rumors about Microsoft’s handheld gaming Xbox console have been going around for years. Back in November, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer confirmed the brand was working on a handheld Xbox gaming console and Jason Ronald, who serves as VP of Xbox Gaming Devices, previously talked about plans to bring the best of console and PC together.

A new report from The Verge is shedding more light on Microsoft’s handheld Xbox console, but it claims that the device will be manufactured by Asus.

Xbox Project Kennan speculative render

The new info, according to “sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans,” suggests the Asus-made console is codenamed Project Kennan, and it will feature Xbox branding. It is rumored to launch later this year though the report mentions that the project is still in its development phases and the exact launch timeframe may change. As for the software, the console will be running Windows but with a more intuitive Xbox interface.

Asus ROG Ally running its Armory Crate interface

Microsoft is aiming to unify Windows and Xbox and it envisions partnerships with more OEMs that would be open to develop Xbox gaming hardware. Project Kennan is rumored to use AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Go chip and will reportedly cost between $499 and $599.

Source (paywall)