Microsoft’s Real Xbox Handheld Might Be Powered by Custom AMD Chip — Not Just Another Branded Device
After months of speculation, the idea of a true Xbox handheld console might finally be coming into focus — and no, it’s not just another co-branded version from Asus.
Recent leaks suggest that Microsoft is working on its own dedicated handheld gaming device, distinct from third-party hardware, and powered by a custom low-power AMD APU. The information, sourced from NeoGAF user KeplerL2, hints that this custom chip is being developed specifically for Microsoft — potentially delivering the performance and compatibility gamers have been hoping for.
👾 Not Just Another Asus Collab?
While Asus is reportedly set to launch a handheld with Xbox branding — complete with a dedicated Xbox button and sleek black finish — insiders are now drawing a firm line between this version and Microsoft’s “real” console. Asus’s models, including the upcoming ROG Ally 2, may come with AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme or Snapdragon X Elite chips. Impressive, yes — but not uniquely Microsoft.
And here’s where it gets interesting: Microsoft’s in-house console might ditch previously rumored ARM chips (which raised backward compatibility concerns) in favor of x86-based AMD architecture. That would mean better support for the existing Xbox game library — a big win for long-time fans.
🔍 What’s Under the Hood?
Exact specs are still under wraps, but here’s what’s making the rounds:
- Custom AMD APU (low power, yet to be detailed)
- Possibly launching alongside the Xbox next-gen console in 2027
- Full Xbox ecosystem integration expected
Meanwhile, the Asus ROG Ally 2 — recently spotted on the FCC — is likely to debut soon with two variants:
- Black Model: AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme (36W) + 64GB RAM
- White Model: AMD Aeirth Plus (20W)
- Both: 7-inch 120Hz display, Xbox-branded keys
🕹 Project Kennan: Just the Beginning?
Microsoft’s cryptic meme response to Asus’s teaser on X (formerly Twitter) was more than just clever marketing — it might’ve been the first official nod to Project Kennan, the Xbox handheld quietly in the works.
Whether this custom APU-powered handheld drops before 2027 or alongside the next-gen Xbox remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: Microsoft isn’t just slapping its logo on third-party gear — it’s building something of its own.
