Kirkland, Washington — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has inadvertently revealed images of a new handheld gaming device, known as Project Kennan, developed by Microsoft in partnership with ASUS. This device, reminiscent of the ASUS ROG Ally, will incorporate distinct Xbox elements, particularly in its grip design, suggesting a deeper integration with Xbox services compared to its ASUS counterpart.
The leaked photographs suggest that two models may be involved: one appears to be the ASUS ROG Ally 2, identifiable by its white casing, while the black model is likely Project Kennan. Reports indicate that Project Kennan is currently undergoing testing at Microsoft’s headquarters, with noticeable features that include a dedicated button stamped with the Xbox “X,” although some details remain unfinished.
Both devices are expected to run Windows 11, and Microsoft may introduce new gaming features during the upcoming Build 2025 event, scheduled for May 19. This timing coincides with Computex on May 20, making it feasible for ASUS to unveil these new handhelds at that venue. Speculation suggests that Microsoft and ASUS might showcase separate gaming advancements on the same day, enhancing the partnership’s visibility in the gaming sector.
While the ASUS ROG Ally won’t support all Xbox console titles, it will access a wide range of games through the Microsoft Store and popular game distribution platforms, including Steam and Epic Games Store. This adaptability is particularly valuable given the increasing selection of games available under the “Xbox Play Anywhere” initiative, especially as subscriptions to services like Xbox Game Pass continue to grow.
Details regarding the specifications for both Project Kennan and the ASUS ROG Ally 2 remain limited. However, they are expected to match or exceed the performance of the existing ASUS ROG Ally, with improvements in battery life and overall optimization anticipated.
Recent developments indicate that Microsoft is rebranding its gaming efforts on PC with “Xbox PC,” a term used in reference to its collaboration with ASUS. Project Kennan could be the inaugural device under this new branding, aligning with Microsoft’s strategic approach to unify its gaming hardware under the Xbox umbrella.
Pricing remains a significant concern, particularly in the context of the ongoing tariff disputes affecting imports from manufacturing countries like China. As Microsoft recently increased the prices of its Xbox consoles, there may be challenges in keeping the new handheld affordable for consumers.
As anticipation builds around these upcoming reveals, industry insiders expect ASUS and Microsoft to present more polished images and additional details soon. The gaming community is keenly watching, eager to learn how this innovative handheld will fit into the rapidly evolving landscape of portable gaming.