There is a new report that bears sad news, and this is because the world is again nowhere near seeing the first-ever Xbox handheld from Microsoft as the company has reportedly paused its plans for it.
With this, the Xbox handheld development is now reportedly delayed indefinitely, considering that this portable gaming console is still in its early stages and has not yet been announced officially.
Over the years, Xbox has already addressed the rumors behind the handheld's development, particularly as the CEO revealed that there is one piece of hardware under works that is coming soon.
Xbox Handheld Plans Reportedly Paused
Windows Central shared a new report that details the massive setback that the Xbox handheld is now facing, particularly as the company has now paused the plans for it indefinitely. This Microsoft and Xbox-developed handheld was supposed to be the first handheld gaming console under the games and entertainment brand.
Despite the massive popularity of handhelds throughout the years, Microsoft stuck with its existing developments, which include the tabletop Xbox console as well as Windows gaming experiences on PCs. It was previously claimed by rumors that an Xbox handheld would finally put Microsoft on the map of portable gaming experiences, especially with a first-party one that would showcase the Xbox experience.
Microsoft to Prioritize Windows 11 Gaming
The report revealed that Microsoft has other pressing matters at hand than developing the Xbox handheld, with the company now directing its efforts towards improving the gaming experiences on Windows 11. Specifically, it was revealed that Microsoft wants to improve the Windows 11 gaming performance found on third-party handheld PCs that use the operating system.
With this newfound focus by Microsoft, they will reportedly transform the experience where the operating system will function and run different games better than before.
According to ComicBook Gaming, Microsoft's current efforts would be seen in ASUS' next handheld console development, which is currently called "Project Kennan." It was also revealed that this new console would also be a partner device for Xbox, and this may be the closest there is for the future of the Xbox handheld.
While ASUS' Project Kennan is already finished developing the hardware side of things, it is now awaiting massive developments on its software side from developers. That being said, the good news of it all is that ASUS plans to launch the Project Kennan handheld console later this year, and this could mean that Microsoft may return to developing its first-party portable handheld sooner than expected.
