Tag: Xbox Handheld

  • Lenovo Legion Go vs Xbox Handheld: SteamOS & Windows Benchmarks

    Lenovo Legion Go vs Xbox Handheld: SteamOS & Windows Benchmarks

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Lenovo Legion Go S shows improved performance and battery life when using SteamOS compared to Windows.
    2. There are rumors of a new Xbox handheld, Project Kennan, but it may still face the same issues as Windows-based devices.
    3. The SteamOS version of the Legion Go S is more user-friendly and costs $599.99, while the Windows version is $729.99.
    4. Microsoft may consider using Arm-based processors for future Xbox consoles, although AMD Ryzen is currently favored.
    5. Many gamers hope for better software tailored for mobile devices from Microsoft, similar to the benefits of SteamOS.

    The Lenovo Legion Go S featuring SteamOS is now available for purchase from various retailers. Meanwhile, Valve has made its operating system accessible for installation on handheld devices that are not Steam Decks. Recently, Dave2D conducted benchmarks comparing the Legion Go S operating on both Windows and SteamOS. The findings reveal why some gamers hope that a new Xbox handheld console would move away from Microsoft’s software.

    Performance Improvements

    It’s no surprise that the Legion Go S gains from a more streamlined operating system. However, Dave2D highlighted just how significant the difference is with SteamOS. Frame rates showed a clear improvement in popular games like Cyberpunk 2077, Doom Eternal, and The Witcher 3. Additionally, battery life on the Lenovo handheld was significantly better when using SteamOS compared to Windows. In some scenarios, the Legion Go S could last over twice as long on a single charge compared to its Windows version.

    Future Xbox Handheld Speculations

    There are rumors suggesting that Microsoft is teaming up with Asus to create a Windows-based Xbox handheld. This Project Kennan might include a tailored user interface to simplify navigation. However, it would still encounter the same drawbacks as the Legion Go S running Windows. Even if bloatware were removed, it likely wouldn’t provide the same benefits that SteamOS does.

    Usability and Pricing Differences

    With both Legion Go S handheld consoles sharing the same hardware, the differences in usability became apparent. Dave2D pointed out the SteamOS version’s reliability in waking up and maintaining sleep mode. In contrast, the Windows version is priced at $729.99 without any discounts, while the SteamOS version costs $599.99. Although the pricier option offers double the memory, the Windows license adds to the overall expense of these handhelds.

    Potential Processor Changes

    A recent job posting suggested that Microsoft might consider using an Arm-based processor for upcoming Xbox consoles. Jez Corden from Windows Central dismissed this notion, but such a chip could lead to better performance efficiency. For the moment, it appears that the company is leaning more towards utilizing AMD Ryzen processors. There are also whispers regarding a potential low-power alternative.

    It’s unlikely that Microsoft would ever adopt SteamOS, but many gamers wish the company would create more software suited for mobile devices.

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    Lenovo Legion Go vs Xbox Handheld: SteamOS & Windows BenchmarksLenovo Legion Go vs Xbox Handheld: SteamOS & Windows Benchmarks
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  • PlayStation 6 Portable Leak: Full PS5 Library Support Expected

    PlayStation 6 Portable Leak: Full PS5 Library Support Expected

    Key Takeaways

    1. The PlayStation 6 Portable is expected to launch alongside the standard PS6 console.
    2. It will feature a low-power AMD system on a chip (SoC) with performance between the Xbox Series S and PS5.
    3. The PS6 Portable will have extensive game compatibility, including the ability to play PS5 titles without developer updates.
    4. Unpatched PS5 games may not perform optimally on the PS6 Portable, similar to how PS4 games run on PS5.
    5. The handheld gaming market is becoming competitive, with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 and potential Xbox handhelds.

    Thanks to insights shared by @KeplerL2 on the NeoGAF forums, we’re starting to get a clearer picture of the PlayStation 6 Portable. If this information checks out, this handheld version of the PS6 is set to be released alongside the standard PS6 console. It’s rumored that the portable device will include a low-power AMD system on a chip (SoC) that delivers performance levels between the Xbox Series S and the PlayStation 5. Furthermore, it seems the PS6 Portable will have extensive game compatibility.

    Compatibility Insights

    When questioned about whether current-gen games would require updates to run on the PS6 Portable, @KeplerL2 stated that the handheld could play PS5 titles without needing any developer modifications or patches. This is because the PS6 Portable reportedly features “shader binary compatibility,” enabling it to run PS5 games natively.

    Nevertheless, the leaker mentioned that unpatched games might not perform optimally on the PS6 Portable. This is quite reasonable considering that the PS5 can also play all PS4 games natively, yet developers often release patches for their PS4 titles to utilize the enhanced capabilities of the newer console.

    Handheld Gaming Landscape

    With the Nintendo Switch 2 launching in June and rumors of Microsoft working on an Xbox handheld console, the gaming console competition appears to be shifting into handheld territory. If we also consider the emergence of next-gen Windows handhelds like the updated Steam Deck and ROG Ally, the market for portable consoles could become extremely competitive in the coming years.

    This is particularly thrilling since, prior to the recent surge of Windows handhelds, Nintendo dominated the handheld gaming scene for nearly a decade.

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    PlayStation 6 Portable Leak: Full PS5 Library Support Expected
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  • Rumored Xbox Handheld Device Expected to Launch This Year

    Rumored Xbox Handheld Device Expected to Launch This Year

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Xbox handheld, codenamed “Keenan,” is expected to launch later this year, but Microsoft will not produce it themselves.
    2. A well-known manufacturer like Asus, Lenovo, or MSI will handle the hardware development, with Microsoft creating a simplified version of Windows 11 for it.
    3. The handheld will feature a special Xbox button for adjusting settings like fan speed and refresh rate.
    4. The choice of chip for the device remains uncertain, with options including AMD’s Ryzen Z2 and Intel’s Lunar Lake series, but performance is not expected to be groundbreaking.
    5. Microsoft is also working on a next-generation console to succeed the Xbox Series X, set for release alongside a fully developed Xbox handheld in 2027.

    Rumors regarding an Xbox handheld have been circulating for quite a while now, and they are not something new. Recently, Jez Corden from Windows Central added some exciting details to the story with his latest scoop. The handheld, which is referred to by the code name “Keenan,” is expected to be released later this year. However, it seems that Microsoft won’t be the one to actually produce it.

    Hardware Development Insights

    It looks like a well-known manufacturer, such as Asus, Lenovo, or MSI, will handle the hardware development. Microsoft is planning to assist in creating a simplified version of Windows 11 that will be free from unnecessary software. Additionally, there will be a special Xbox button included, allowing users to adjust settings like fan speed, TDP, refresh rate, and more. Basically, this handheld is just a more efficient version of a typical handheld device, featuring software tweaks from Microsoft, along with a stamp of approval as an Xbox accessory.

    Chip Selection Mystery

    The biggest question still remains about which chip will power this device. Microsoft has a selection of options to choose from, including AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Go, Ryzen Z2, Ryzen Z2 Extreme, and Intel’s Lunar Lake or Arrow Lake-H series. In a post, Jez suggested that it might be the standard Z2, but that is not confirmed yet. Regardless, it is unlikely to achieve record-breaking performance, especially if it utilizes the anticipated Hawk Point-based Ryzen Z2.

    Future Console Plans

    Jez also mentions that Microsoft is working on its next-generation console, which will take over from the Xbox Series X. This new console is expected to be released alongside the first true handheld from Xbox that is developed entirely from scratch in 2027. This upcoming console is rumored to feature a combination of an AMD Zen 5 CPU and UDNA 1 (previously known as RDNA 5) GPU. There have been discussions about incorporating 3D V-Cache as well, but that technology might be reserved for Sony’s PlayStation 6.

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