Asus to launch Xbox-branded handheld gaming console later this year

[Redaktion]

The Verge has learned that Microsoft is working with Asus to launch its first-ever Xbox-branded handheld console. This is different from Microsoft's own SKU slated to debut sometime in 2027.

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-to-launch-Xbox-branded-handheld-gaming-console-later-this-year.977836.0.html

[GeorgeS]

Ok, there might be some GOOD news in here.

IMHO: the full blown BLOATWARE that is WIN11 in a handheld ought to be considered almost criminal so if Microsoft can pair the OS down to only what might be needed to play games and support their Xbox store/front end that could be a bit win here.

The above might/could be the 'secret sauce' a Xbox gaming handheld might have over their competitors.

Else wise, the possible available hardware is limited at best. Toss in an APU with 'generational improvement' over the Z1 on the iGPU side and now your talking meager (at best!) battery life and cooling solution challenges.

If they DON'T provide a device that can break away from the pack performance wise, it just becomes yet another under powered hand held but with 'Xbox' branding on it. Meh.

So toss something good in there and under clock like crazy or ???

Only time will tell.

[Nado]

Asus have extremely poor support and quality control.   Good luck getting your hardware repaired or replaced under warranty...  Just check out Gamer Nexus

[Beta Test Product]

Asus have extremely poor support and quality control.

Indeed. Asus sucks. I wish we had more options. What are the other OEMs doing? Twiddling their thumbs? Because it seems like Asus are the only ones aggressively pushing boundaries these days.

Perhaps if maybe framework or a Chinese OEM like minisforum stepped up would be a better idea? Although framework is kind of too small of an OEM and ship in low volume. Minisforum likely has terrible support too. But in all honesty, every companies support sucks anyway.

This could somewhat be alleviated if they just force the device to only be shipped at retailers with exceptional support and warranty policies (e.g. Costco, Amazon, etc) only.

[Dan6]

I guess for now it will be just an Ally X with XBox logo, preinstalled Xbox services, maybe some clocks bump and green RGB. I don't think MS could create some gaming version of Windows in such a short time. As I remember the real Xbox handheld is planned for 2027.