Asus to build Xbox handheld PC for Microsoft
Microsoft apparently wants its own handheld PC. The first generation is to be developed in collaboration with Asus.
Asus' Windows handheld PC ROG Ally (pictured) could serve as a template for a first Xbox variant.
(Image: heise online)
The first handheld PC under Microsoft's Xbox banner is set to appear in 2025 – Codename Kennan. According to current information, however, the device will not be a “real” Xbox family member: The handheld will run Windows 11, without support for Xbox-native games.
According to a report from Windows Central, Asus is to manufacture the handheld PC for Microsoft – the company has already gained experience with Windows handhelds with the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X. The Microsoft version sounds like a ROG Ally 2 with an Xbox touch. After all, Microsoft is supposedly rebuilding the Xbox apps to improve them for small screens. The advantage of Windows: All kinds of platforms such as Steam and the Epic Games Launcher are likely to run.
Internally, the device is said to be a proof of concept. According to Windows Central, the development of Microsoft's own handheld device, which will also run Xbox games, is running in parallel. However, this model is not due to be released until 2027.
Two configurations possible from 550 euros
Nothing is yet known about the hardware of an Asus Xbox handheld. A Ryzen combo processor is an obvious choice, as AMD processors are already installed in the large Xbox consoles and the company integrates powerful GPUs. AMD hardware is used in most current handheld PCs.
Two configurations are rumored to appear. Different processor strengths, different memory capacities and possibly two display options are conceivable. In the case of the cheaper model, Microsoft is said to be aiming for a price of 499 to 599 US dollars. In Germany, this would correspond to around 550 to 650 euros including VAT (not included in US prices). However, US prices could be even higher due to Donald Trump's trade wars.
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Handheld PCs are typically pricier than consoles because they require additional components such as the display. Keeping the dimensions as compact as possible while maintaining high performance also requires development effort.
An announcement in the summer would not come as a surprise. Microsoft traditionally organizes its Xbox Showcase at the beginning of June, which would lend itself thematically. The market launch should follow by the end of the year.
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