ASUS and Xbox Team Up on “Project Kennan” Handheld Gaming PC
A new portable gaming device, codenamed “Project Kennan,” is in development through a collaboration between ASUS and Xbox, aiming to seamlessly integrate the Windows and Xbox gaming ecosystems. The device, slated for release sometime in 2025, promises a novel approach to mobile gaming, blurring the lines between traditional consoles and PC gaming.
A Teaser Ignites Speculation
ASUS recently released a brief video on social media that sparked considerable excitement. The clip features ASUS’s robot mascot, Omni, undergoing upgrades to improve battery life, performance, and storage capacity. The video culminates with Omni merging with a ROG Ally console and a ROG Raikiri Pro controller, a visual cue that resonated with fans. Xbox responded to the post with a meme, further fueling speculation about the impending partnership.
Microsoft Tasks ASUS with “Project Kennan”
According to reports from tech journalists including Jez Corden of Windows Central and Tom Warren of The Verge, Microsoft has commissioned ASUS to develop “Project Kennan.” This device is anticipated to be a handheld PC powered by Windows 11, featuring a software overlay designed to replicate the familiar Xbox interface. The primary objective is to provide streamlined access to the Game Pass ecosystem on a mobile platform.
Beyond a Console: A Portable PC Experience
This new device is not positioned as a traditional Xbox console. Instead, it’s described as a portable PC with Xbox-inspired aesthetics. It will operate on Windows 11, potentially with a dedicated Xbox launcher, and offer a unified interface across multiple devices. This suggests a hybrid device, free from a proprietary operating system, capable of running PC, console, and cloud-based games.
Anticipated Technical Improvements
While specific technical details remain undisclosed, the teaser hints at significant improvements over the current ROG Ally. Phrases like “marathon stamina,” “faster speeds,” and “more capacity” suggest enhancements in key areas. The AMD Ryzen Z2 processor is widely anticipated, though not officially confirmed. Official pricing information has not yet been released.
Launch Timeline and Competitive Landscape
The product is expected to be unveiled at either Computex in May 2025 or the Summer Game Fest. ASUS has not yet announced a firm timeline for the reveal. The timing of this announcement, occurring shortly before the anticipated launch of the Switch 2, may not be coincidental, suggesting a strategic positioning within the portable gaming market. For now, details are limited, but the overarching vision of a unified, portable gaming experience is becoming increasingly clear.
