Xbox Series S/X2: Thread 01

[wakka]

There's a lot of interesting bits and bobs in this article.

The company is reportedly currently working alongside an unspecified "PC gaming OEM" to launch an Xbox-branded gaming handheld later this year. It's claimed the device is being developed under the codename Keenan, and will - according to Windows Central's sources - look "unmistakably 'Xbox'", sporting familiar design sensibilities and even an Xbox guide button.

This doesn't sound good to me. If you're gonna do it, do it, don't just put an Xbox logo on an MSI Claw or whatever.

Interestingly, Windows Central claims Microsoft is also internally developing its own Xbox gaming handheld, separate from this year's partner machine, which is due to release alongside its Series X/S successor and "several new controller options" in 2027.

This however sounds much more interesting. New controller options for the home console? A proper in-house designed thing instead of a generic PC handheld with an Xbox logo?

I'm definitely curious to see what they do. MS are properly on the ropes at this point and while they've been slow rolling their exit from the Series X/S business, I'd really love to see them absolutely go for it with some leftfield ideas next gen, real roll the dice type stuff.

[Neon Ignition]

Assuming that the above projects turn out to be true I reckon they've 100% cemented their demise. A handheld Xbox holds some intrigue if done right, priced right and not clashed against PlayStations brand power but only an absolute moron would launch an Xbox themed third party handheld incarnation tying in with your most disasterous generation of console directly up against the same windowed launch of the Switch 2.

It's so astoundingly stupid that it smacks of true because MS seem to be absolutely woeful at managing consoles.

By that point a next-gen internally created handheld Xbox for next-gen becomes a waste of R&D money (much like the next full console) because they'll have squandered all the novelty and PR of their first Xbox handheld launch and once again be known only for being a market failure putting people off buying the next one. They're completely out of moves other than going third party.

[fishbowlhead]

Xbox themed third party handheld incarnation tying in with your most disasterous generation of console directly up against the same windowed launch of the Switch 2.

It's so astoundingly stupid that it smacks of true because MS seem to be absolutely woeful at managing consoles.

MS: hold my beer!

[Neon Ignition]

https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/xbox-project-kennan-gaming-handheld-everything-we-know-so-far

By the sounds they're painting a Rog Ally black, slapping an X on it and calling it a day
Pure marketing stunt, no different than the devices you can buy right now

[fishbowlhead]

https://www.windowscentral.com/gamin...we-know-so-far
By the sounds they're painting a Rog Ally black, slapping an X on it and calling it a day
Pure marketing stunt, no different than the devices you can buy right now

To be honest it’s the sensible choice, any dedicated hardware they put a load of time and money into developing would be wasted.

[Neon Ignition]

Main hurdle is when the media covers it and highlights that you can't play many of your Xbox ecosystem purchases because it's not actually an Xbox.

[wheelaa]

I thought everything was an Xbox these days!

[Neon Ignition]

https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/microsoft-just-leaked-an-xbox-interface-mock-up-which-has-steam-game-integration