Key Takeaways
1. Microsoft is collaborating with Asus to launch a new Xbox console later this year, rather than producing it in-house.
2. The internal project name for the console is Project Keenan, but it is officially referred to as Project Kennan.
3. The new Xbox console will be a handheld device, running a tailored version of Windows 11.
4. The choice of System on Chip (SoC) is critical for the console’s success, with a focus on AMD’s Ryzen Z2 series for performance.
5. Effective cooling solutions and battery management will be essential to maintain performance in the compact handheld design.
Industry insider Jez Corden recently talked about a new Xbox console set to launch later this year. Interestingly, Microsoft won’t be making it themselves. Instead, they are planning to collaborate with a big name in the PC industry. Tom Warren from The Verge has dug deeper into the specifics of this secretive device and has uncovered the name of the company behind it in a paywalled article.
Project Keenan or Project Kennan?
According to Jez’s insights, internally, this device is known as Project Keenan. However, Tom clarifies that the correct name is actually Project Kennan. This initiative is part of Microsoft’s strategy to connect Xbox consoles with PCs, which is becoming more visible through its “this is an Xbox” promotional efforts. The manufacturer chosen to create this enigmatic console is Asus.
Asus: A Strong Choice
Asus seems to be a fitting choice for this project. They were among the pioneers to replicate the Steam Deck’s design with the first ROG Ally. This could shed light on why the ROG Ally X made minor improvements to fix the design issues of its forerunner, albeit without upgrading the somewhat outdated Ryzen Z1 Extreme System on Chip (SoC). Asus is currently engaged in creating the first Xbox-branded handheld console. Since it is backed by Microsoft, this Asus/Xbox device will operate on a tailored version of Windows 11.
The SoC Dilemma
The success of this console hinges on the SoC it will incorporate. Asus has experience with AMD, meaning a Ryzen Z2 series chip is likely the best option. However, the Z2 Go might lack the necessary power to support a full Windows 11 installation and gaming, leading us to consider the Ryzen Z2 and Ryzen Z2 Extreme instead. The latter is more capable for handheld tasks due to its combination of Zen 5 and Zen 5c cores. The Zen 5c cores can be designated for background processes, which could enhance battery longevity.
An ideal chip would be an 8-core/32 CU Strix Halo (Ryzen AI Max 385), but achieving this in a handheld would necessitate significant underclocking and effective cooling solutions, along with a powerful battery to maintain performance. In the worst-case scenario, we could end up with something akin to the Acer Nitro Blaze 11.
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