Project Kennan, the codename for Microsoft’s dedicated Xbox gaming handheld, only exists in the prototype stage and is likely a few years ago. But there’s a firestorm of rumors swirling that the first phase of Microsoft’s Xbox handheld plans will involve partnering with an existing PC manufacturer, similar to Valve’s partnership with Lenovo for the Legion Go S powered by SteamOS. Those rumors strongly suggest ASUS is that partner. However, that new teaser trailer from the ROG Ally X maker isn’t worthy of all the excitement it’s generating.
The excitement is born from the expectation that such a handheld will feature Microsoft’s streamlined gaming interface, a sorely needed change to Windows 11 that could make the handheld experience as elegant and intuitive as SteamOS. Microsoft promised the first iteration of it would land this year.
So, back to the teaser trailer in question (which is slick and entertaining on its own). It shows ASUS’ robot mascot OMNI performing an experiment to upgrade itself, and ends with the existing ROG Ally X and the Raikiri Pro Xbox controller accidentally finding their way into a fusion pod with the mischievous mascot.
When ASUS shared the video on X (formerly Twitter), the official Xbox account immediately replied with the classic “monkey side-eye” meme. That engagement, easily interpreted as a “knowing wink” from Microsoft, immediately accelerated the hype machine, resulting in a bunch of articles proclaiming this as the first official product in this Xbox handheld partnership.
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ROG Ally X Pro, Not The Xbox Hybrid You’re Expecting
Well, not so fast. I don’t think this is it. There are several moments in the trailer that point to this being an upgraded ROG Ally X, rather than some highly anticipated Xbox device with this new Windows UI for handhelds.
To begin with, the trailer highlights four upgrades: “Marathon stamina, more capacity, faster speed, and fresh look.” So, let’s translate that: it’s a ROG Ally X with a larger battery, a larger storage drive, an upgraded processor (probably the Ryzen Z2 Extreme) and a new colorway.
Then there’s the inclusion of the Raikiri Pro Xbox controller. If this were the fabled Xbox hybrid handheld, why wouldn’t an Xbox Series S or Series X have been included?
All the evidence points to ASUS simply launching a ROG Ally X Pro with some integration of the Raikiri Pro controller.
This doesn’t mean ASUS isn’t Microsoft’s hardware partner for that initial Xbox handheld with the SteamOS-like interface, but this teaser trailer isn’t hyping the handheld we’re all looking forward to.
