Xbox Handheld Leaks: Is Project Kennan About to Revolutionize Mobile Gaming?
The internet is buzzing with leaked photos of what appears to be an upcoming Xbox handheld device, made in collaboration with Asus. Dubbed "Project Kennan," this device could be Microsoft's answer to the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch, potentially shaking up the portable gaming market. Leaked images show two versions: a standard white model and a sleek black variant featuring a dedicated Xbox button.
The leak, originating from the US FCC and Indonesian certification listings, reveals that the device, officially named ROG Ally 2, will come in two models. Tech site 91mobiles spotted entries at the Indonesian certification office and linked them to a U.S. FCC listing. The black version of the ROG Ally 2 boasts an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor with 8 cores and a 36W TDP, paired with a whopping 64GB of LPDDR5-8533 memory. The white model, in contrast, is rumored to use an AMD Aeirth Plus processor, a successor to the Van Gogh (Steam Deck) with 4 cores and a 20W TDP. This suggests the black version could be positioned as a high-end, performance-focused device.
According to Windows Central, the device is already being tested internally at Microsoft's US headquarters, hinting at an imminent public reveal. But, with rising Xbox prices globally, a key question remains: what will Project Kennan cost?
The design of the device appears to take cues from existing handheld PCs like the Steam Deck, featuring analogue sticks, a D-pad, and ABXY face buttons. However, the leaked images also suggest design tweaks, with molded controller grips on each edge. The ROG Ally 2 also includes two USB Type-C connectors on top, and the photos suggest the device may be slightly bulkier than its predecessor.
While it's unclear whether Microsoft plans to launch a dedicated Xbox OS for gaming handhelds, the inclusion of the Xbox button on the black model suggests deeper integration with the Xbox ecosystem, potentially offering seamless access to the Xbox app on Windows.
Asus is likely to officially announce the ROG Ally 2 at Computex, so stay tuned for official specs, pricing, and release details. With the potential for a more portable and powerful gaming experience, Project Kennan represents a significant step forward for Microsoft in the handheld gaming space. What are your thoughts on an Xbox handheld? How much would you be willing to pay for one? Share your opinions in the comments below!
