Tag: Project Kennan

  • Sony May Block PlayStation Games on New Xbox Console

    Sony May Block PlayStation Games on New Xbox Console

    Key Takeaways

    1. A new Xbox console designed like a Windows PC is generating interest among gamers.
    2. Sony is likely to prevent its PC games from being available on any Xbox console.
    3. Popular games like God of War and Elden Ring are missing from cloud gaming services like GeForce Now.
    4. There is no historical precedent for blocking Steam titles from running on Windows systems.
    5. PlayStation fans may soon play PC games on a Microsoft-branded device, with talks of a handheld gaming PC by Asus.


    The idea of a new Xbox console designed like a Windows PC has caught the attention of many gamers who play on multiple platforms. More and more PlayStation games are showing up on Steam. At the same time, there are whispers that Microsoft might link Valve’s marketplace to this upcoming gaming system. However, Jez Corden from Windows Central thinks that Sony will likely prevent its PC games from being available on any Xbox console.

    Debate Sparks Online

    Corden’s strong claim on X sparked a lively debate. The journalist, known for revealing various Xbox updates, likened the situation to Nvidia GeForce Now. Initially, the PC version of God of War could be streamed on the cloud gaming platform, but it was taken down later. This move drew significant backlash from Jon Clarke of XboxEra and others, who labeled it a flawed comparison.

    Other Popular Games Missing

    It’s not just PlayStation titles that are absent from GeForce Now. One of the most sought-after games, Elden Ring, is also not available on the service. Since Nvidia requires a subscription, game publishers want a share of the earnings. This has led some gamers to look for other options, like Boosteroid. Until Sony steps in, this browser-based service can even run PlayStation PC games on Xbox consoles.

    No Precedent for Blocking Steam

    Some gamers have noted that there is no historical basis for preventing Steam titles from running on Windows systems. If a new Xbox console operates on Microsoft’s OS, it would be a challenge for Sony to find a clever way to either stop Steam games from launching or halt publishing titles on Valve’s marketplace.

    Exciting Possibilities for PlayStation Fans

    PlayStation enthusiasts might soon find themselves playing PC games on a Microsoft-branded device. The Verge has recently discussed the rumored Project Kennan, a handheld gaming PC that Asus could produce. This device might sport an Xbox-like design, merging the look of current Microsoft consoles with a Windows operating system. Corden claims that Microsoft is still aiming to unveil another Xbox handheld or gaming PC by 2027.

    The gaming world is rapidly evolving, especially with former Xbox exclusives making their way to the PS5. Now, gamers are curious if PlayStation’s cross-platform titles will eventually land on this new Xbox console.

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  • New Xbox Console Rumors Spark Concerns Over Backwards Compatibility

    New Xbox Console Rumors Spark Concerns Over Backwards Compatibility

    Key Takeaways

    1. The latest Xbox consoles can run both digital and disc versions of games from previous Xbox generations.
    2. There are concerns about the new Xbox system operating similarly to a Windows PC, affecting backwards compatibility with older games.
    3. Leaked information suggests that a new Xbox console may encourage developers to use Win32, linking the Xbox app to Steam.
    4. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer supports efforts to preserve older games and has suggested using AI for enhancements.
    5. Current compatibility issues exist, with glitches reported on Series S and X, and there’s uncertainty about how a PC-like console would handle backwards compatibility.


    One benefit of the latest Xbox consoles is that they can run both digital and disc versions of games from the original Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. Yet, gamers are a bit worried about the new plans for Xbox consoles. There are talks about a system that operates similarly to a Windows PC. While this could help platforms like Steam, the issue of backwards compatibility with older Xbox games is not very clear.

    Leaked Information and New Features

    Recently, Windows Central shared a leaked image that showed the Xbox app linking to Steam. In the same piece, Jez Corden mentioned that a new Xbox console would push developers toward using Win32. This 32-bit Windows API could enable the console to work with current PC apps and software. However, a lot of games on Xbox systems are made using a different development setup.

    Community Reactions and Support from Microsoft

    The insights from Corden have raised some alarms among Xbox gamers. Nevertheless, Phil Spencer, the CEO of Microsoft Gaming, has been backing the company’s efforts to preserve games. Back in February, Spencer even suggested leveraging AI to enhance older games for the latest consoles. Regardless, a console similar to a PC might need to depend on emulation to maintain a library of older games.

    Current Compatibility Challenges

    The newer Microsoft consoles already implement a kind of OS emulation to run games from past generations. However, players are curious about how this would work for Xbox backwards compatibility on a PC. Even on the Series S and X, gamers have experienced glitches when playing certain classic games. As Microsoft has progressed towards digital gaming, the ability to play physical discs is not guaranteed on a console that resembles Windows.

    Project Kennan is a new handheld gaming device designed by Microsoft and created by Asus. Experts do not expect this system to support all Xbox games. Still, it may function as a testing ground while Microsoft incorporates more services into its Xbox app. Another option for achieving backwards compatibility is cloud streaming, but this can lead to latency and bandwidth challenges.

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  • Possible Xbox Handheld Gaming UI Revealed in Official Image

    Possible Xbox Handheld Gaming UI Revealed in Official Image

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft is launching a handheld gaming device called ‘Project Kennan’ that focuses on standard PC gaming rather than specifically Xbox titles.
    2. An updated Xbox user interface may include a shortcut for Steam games and a filter for sorting playable games by various categories.
    3. The new design is being rolled out on Xbox Series S/X and other compatible devices, suggesting a broader ecosystem for Xbox users.
    4. Microsoft plans to enhance the Xbox app to serve as a launcher for games from Steam and other platforms like Epic Games Store, but Xbox titles won’t be playable on other systems.
    5. The handheld device is expected to stream Xbox games, similar to the PlayStation Portal, which is priced at $199.99.


    Microsoft is said to be bridging the gap between Xbox and PC later this year with its debut handheld gaming device. As mentioned before, ‘Project Kennan’ is set to be a standard PC gaming handheld, not specifically designed to run Xbox titles. However, an image shared by Microsoft in a blog post has stirred up thoughts that there may be more in store.

    Possible New Features

    The image in question seems to show an updated Xbox user interface that includes a shortcut for Steam games. Additionally, there’s a filter labeled ‘show playable games,’ which allows users to sort games by those that are recently added, installed, owned, or available on Game Pass. From what we gather, Microsoft has rolled out this design not only on the Xbox Series S and Series X but also on devices like the ROG Ally and others that work with the Xbox app. It’s likely that the tablet and smartphone depicted are meant to be companions to Xbox or Windows, rather than devices for installing Xbox or Steam games.

    Exciting Developments Ahead

    To add to the intrigue, Microsoft swiftly swapped the original image with a new one that we’ve included above. The Verge reports that the Steam icon was not a mistake. Allegedly, Microsoft is planning to enhance the Xbox app to act as a launcher for games from Steam and other platforms, such as the Epic Games Store. Importantly, the image does not imply that Xbox titles will be playable on other systems. Instead, Microsoft’s first handheld gaming device is anticipated to stream Xbox games, similar to the PlayStation Portal, which is currently priced at $199.99 on Amazon.

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