The handheld gaming community is abuzz with a huge leak that spilled the beans about not one, but two new devices from Microsoft and ASUS. The headliner? A new Xbox-branded handheld with the codename Project Kennan—and it’s looking like it might just be a strong player in the battle for portable gaming supremacy.
Two Devices, One Ambitious Goal
The leak, fueled by regulatory submissions and an inadvertent FCC disclosure, hints at a two-pronged approach. First is Project Kennan, the black Xbox-inspired system that features the unmistakable Xbox logo and design elements any gamer will immediately know. In tandem is the ROG Ally 2, ASUS’s sequel to its first ROG Ally. They appear similar on the outside, but beneath, they differ considerably.
What the Leaks Reveal About Hardware and Design
Project Kennan is intended to deliver high levels of performance. Based on FCC filings and industry sources, it comes with an 8-core AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor that has a 36W thermal design power (TDP) and 64GB of LPDDR5X RAM—impressive specs that indicate this phone isn’t messing around.
The white ROG Ally 2, on the other hand, takes a more power-frugal approach with a 4-core AMD Aerie Plus chip that has a 20W TDP. It might not compete directly with Project Kennan in terms of sheer power, but it’s probably targeting improved battery life and mass-market acceptance.
Both gadgets are to come with 7-inch, 120Hz LCD screens, the same as the original ROG Ally. The look, though, appears to be more polished. No more sharp edges; instead are thicker, more ergonomic grips with longer, more cozy play sessions in mind.
A standout feature: the Xbox logo button on Project Kennan, located just above the D-pad. It’s a small gesture, but it indicates that this is not merely some game PC—it’s an Xbox in spirit, if not in native console game support.
The Software Story: Windows 11, Xbox Integration, and More
Both devices will, allegedly, be powered by a customized version of Windows 11, optimized for handheld gaming. That implies compatibility with everything from Xbox Game Pass and Steam to Epic Games and more. They won’t play natively Xbox Series X|S games, but they’ll play Xbox Play Anywhere titles as well as lots of PC games, making these devices portable Windows gaming machines with a rich Xbox complexion.
Microsoft is set to reveal new gaming capabilities in Windows 11 at its forthcoming Build event, while ASUS will probably showcase the hardware at Computex. Given that both are just around the corner, formal announcements are likely not far off.
Is a New Era for Xbox in the Handheld Space?
The ROG Ally has already established a solid place among competitors such as the Steam Deck, but Project Kennan might go further. With tighter integration with Xbox, Microsoft has a chance to finally enter the handheld space in earnest—something fans have been clamoring for years.
Of course, cost is a major unknown. The high-end specs indicate that Project Kennan may fall in the premium range, particularly during increasing electronics prices and still-active global tariffs. But for gamers who reside within the Xbox ecosystem, the value of a premium portable offering may be higher than its price.
As we wait for the formal confirmation from Microsoft and ASUS, one thing is certain: these rumors are more than hearsay—they’re an early glimpse into a rapidly changing world of portable gaming. If Project Kennan and the ROG Ally 2 become what they promise, we may be seeing the beginning of a new era in where and how we play.
