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Microsoft is unifying Xbox and Windos UI/Store, Asus might release Project Kennan, an Xbox-branded Windows-powered portable in 2025
- Thread starter ShaiKhulud1989
- Start date
- Rumor Hardware
Fess
Member
I just remember how publishers pulled games from Geforce Now because they wanted to fully control how the money flows. I don’t think they would like it if people can use old Xbox licenses instead or double dipping on PC ports and remasters.
But Nintendo had that isolated Wii mode you could boot into on WiiU which played nearly all games.
So maybe it’s possible if they do a separate isolated BC mode.
Why would anyone want a Series S handheld? I don’t see the point. It’s not selling as a traditional console.
They need to have something good to pull people in. If it’s just a dead console that is now on a handheld it’ll sell to 2 million enthusiasts max.
I think Steam and Gamepass in the same simplistic console UI would be a nice thing. I want that on my couch PC. I currently boot into Steam big picture mode and manually add Gamepass games and artwork after installing in the Xbox app. Not having to do any of that and being able to scroll through the whole Gamepass library and also the Steam library in the same UI would be great.
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dgrdsv
Member
I don't see this ending up well.
Literally every endeavor MS has ever attempted in bringing anything from Xbox to PC has been a dumpster fire.
Windows Store where UWP apps were supposed to work across Windows and Xbox (and mobile) was and still is.
Xbox App which doesn't even provide any controls over where to put your game library folder was and still is.
This will likely end up being disruptive to what PCs have now and provide zero advantage over Steam's BPM.
I sure hope they won't lock their game releases to their own store again.
Literally every endeavor MS has ever attempted in bringing anything from Xbox to PC has been a dumpster fire.
Windows Store where UWP apps were supposed to work across Windows and Xbox (and mobile) was and still is.
Xbox App which doesn't even provide any controls over where to put your game library folder was and still is.
This will likely end up being disruptive to what PCs have now and provide zero advantage over Steam's BPM.
I sure hope they won't lock their game releases to their own store again.
Fess
Member
Can’t see them do that. The current strategy seems to be to spread out, be everywhere, no walls, classic big publisher multiplatform strategy, for a platform, store and games.
Fess
Member
- XboxOS ASUS handheld
— Official XboxOS handheld
— - XboxOS prebuild PC
—— Official XboxOS console
—— - Xbox App with XboxOS UI
——— Xbox Cloud with XboxOS UI
If they get it right it’ll be great. Hoping for a comeback for the 360 blades UI!
kevboard
Member
software emulation is 100% legal as long as the emulator wasn't made by using licensed code.
Xenia is a 360 emulator that is 100% legal, no publisher can legally do anything about its existence.
Microsoft could make their own emulator, just like Xenia, and emulate every single game without any publisher being able to do anything about it.
they might not like it, but there wouldn't be any legal barrier there.
the reason they didn't do a normal emulator was because the Xbox One was not even close to being able to emulate 360 games. so their solution was to turn the games into x86 executables, which meant each game needed to be modified, which also meant they needed the publishers to allow it.
seeing as both Xenia and the new Xbox 360 recompiler are already a thing, it's only a matter of time until playing most, and eventually all 360 games on a Windows PC will be possible wether Microsoft does it in an official way or not.
the Series S can play every single current gen game, every single Xbox One game, and all 360/og Xbox backwards compatibility titles.
also you can bet that it will be supported with multiplatform titles for probably at least another 4 to 5 years. as developers don't need to make special "Xbox handheld" versions of games, because it just play Series S versions without any work needed by devs.
the Series S can play more modern games at acceptable framerates than the Steam Deck for example. it would also be a more powerful handheld than the Switch 2.
The Switch 2 also possibly being a factor that could help the longterm support of current gen consoles, which includes the Series S. As publishers will try to get their games on the Switch 2, which automatically makes them easy to also run on Series S (and with it the X and PS5 of course)
so, thousands of games available day 1, years of guaranteed support, and faster handheld hardware than the Switch 2.
what exactly is not to like here?
I'd say turning the Series S into a handheld is a no-brainer if the hardware is available and the production costs aren't too monumental
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SoraNoKuni
Member
Gaming and microsoft just don't fit together.
BUT, if they update their prism arm translation thingy on windows... and somehow make arm useful, this could be good, insane battery life and good gaming performance, though this needs a lot of effort(and colab with QC) and microsoft usually doesn't have that mindset, valve on the other hand plays things long term.
So, I am just waiting for Steam Deck 2.
BUT, if they update their prism arm translation thingy on windows... and somehow make arm useful, this could be good, insane battery life and good gaming performance, though this needs a lot of effort(and colab with QC) and microsoft usually doesn't have that mindset, valve on the other hand plays things long term.
So, I am just waiting for Steam Deck 2.
???What exactly is this a sign of other than whatRetroGamingUK has said.
First, that link wasn't a response to anyone in particular and that's why I don't mention/quote anyone. It was just a simple link that seems to give clues and signals and be related to the content of the information/rumor in this thread.
That you relate different things and see the need to quote me is.....
Then, what
RetroGamingUK
is "arguing" (in every thread related to upcoming Xbox hardware) that the next Xbox hardware won't be able to play current Xbox games and that it will lack native BC program and will only have Xcloud for playing games from previous generations....If you agree with him and even believe that the information in this thread indicates such a thing, then... okay and?
he's predicting that xbox will become a PC in all but name and that the games that would be compatible with it are those that utilise XPA. It's not a far fetched prediction especially if publishers actually want to sell PC and console games as their own revenue streams. Your link is showing that MS are now trying to push Xbox play anywhere at GDC. He's saying if they go this route of the Asus xbox you likely cannot play most of your xbox library unless they are XPA titles.???
First, that link wasn't a response to anyone in particular and that's why I don't mention/quote anyone. It was just a simple link that seems to give clues and signals and be related to the content of the information/rumor in this thread.
That you relate different things and see the need to quote me is.....
Then, what
If you agree with him and even believe that the information in this thread indicates such a thing, then... okay and?
xrnzaaas
Member
Their current browser store is already a huge mess. I'm looking for games and their search engine shows Office or Teams among search results.
It's also a really good warning to stop buying games for your Xbox consoles. At this point it's a big unknown what will happen to the entirety of your library and will you be able to enjoy all games in non-streaming form in the future.
It's also a really good warning to stop buying games for your Xbox consoles. At this point it's a big unknown what will happen to the entirety of your library and will you be able to enjoy all games in non-streaming form in the future.
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Parazels
Member
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?? What he's been arguing in countless threads that BC on upcoming hardware will be reduced to Xcloud... Here he was referring to playing current Xbox games as well.
Which is in line with their defense that there won't be any type of next Xbox hardware or that MS will only release an OS or app for PC OEMs depending on a piece of news/rumor or information they like more or less or that best suits their wishes.
Then, the link I posted points to a plan to convince studios and developers to embrace "PlayAnywhere" in their future developments and be able to play the same game on different devices in the Xbox ecosystem... which is linked to the information/rumor in this thread, hence the link.
They're two totally different things that don't conflict. One questions the catalog of future games on different devices, and the other is whether you'll be able to access games from past Xbox generations natively on the next Xbox hardware. These aren't limited to PlayAnywhere games. In fact, the PC Xbox Store is full of games that aren't PlayAnywhere (even games that aren't on the Xbox/Console Store) and would perfectly qualify as future BC games.
I repeat, I don't even understand why you're quoting me when there wasn't even a connection... Anyway, as I said, OK?.
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You left an empathy emoji on his post then posted that information about them trying hard to push XPA, that's why. You're only showing that they're moving more in that direction and "these devices" were about the OEM rumour. He believes that's their future and I'm just saying it's not far-fetched.
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He's saying It's not really emulation of hardware (otherwise games would just work) but a sort of "translation" of the game to something x86 and the new gpu understands.
That is, you quoted me because you interpreted a comment of mine (which doesn't quote anyone in particular) as indicating a link that seems to coincide with the rumor/information in the thread based solely on an emoji to a specific comment that argues that there won't be BC on the next Xbox hardware and that it will only be relegated to PlayAnywhere games that are on PC or Xcloud???
Interesting, I wonder if this is something you do often.....
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Shubh_C63
Member
Phil have admitted he thinks they lost because everyone digital library got made during PS4 and moving out of the ecosystem became impossible.
Xbox Handheld + GP with play anywhere I think is laser targeted to alleviate the core problem (as per MS) first and foremost. Get people habitual to their UI.
The money grab can come again after 10 years with a dedicated console while they remain relevant with third party XPC hybrids in the meantime.
Xbox Handheld + GP with play anywhere I think is laser targeted to alleviate the core problem (as per MS) first and foremost. Get people habitual to their UI.
The money grab can come again after 10 years with a dedicated console while they remain relevant with third party XPC hybrids in the meantime.
spons
Gold Member
At this point it's holding back gaming, and that's something I wouldn't have said pre-Windows 8 when everything since then had to be changed to 'unify interfaces' across mobile, Xbox, PC, etc. It never worked and it will never work.
At one side you've got 30 years of legacy crap dangling behind the OS and on the other hand they constantly do new shit nobody asked for.
Windows is design by committee/corp as opposed to design by community (such as the various Linux gaming distros) and it fucking shows.
And community doesn't necessarily mean 'gratis', there's plenty of paid professionals working on Linux-related tech, it's just a completely different mindset.
At one side you've got 30 years of legacy crap dangling behind the OS and on the other hand they constantly do new shit nobody asked for.
Windows is design by committee/corp as opposed to design by community (such as the various Linux gaming distros) and it fucking shows.
And community doesn't necessarily mean 'gratis', there's plenty of paid professionals working on Linux-related tech, it's just a completely different mindset.
Unifiying interfaces and experiences is pandering to the lowest common denominator. Scrap everything unique to a platform and make everything work the same at the worst way possible. They've already tried with 'Metro' UI and it was dogshit.
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No, I was curious why you left the empathy emoji then posted a link showing they are pushing the exact thing he was suggesting so I asked you what is that GDC link a "sign and signal" of?That is, you quoted me because you interpreted a comment of mine (which doesn't quote anyone in particular) as indicating a link that seems to coincide with the rumor/information in the thread based solely on an emoji to a specific comment that argues that there won't be BC on the next Xbox hardware and that it will only be relegated to PlayAnywhere games that are on PC or Xcloud.....???
Interesting....
The title:
"Microsoft is unifying Xbox and Windos UI/Store, Asus might release Project Kennan, an Xbox-branded Windows-powered portable in 2025"
He was saying this is the direction they are going and these so called "xbox devices" would be relegated to XPA titles. What he was saying wasn't far-fetched. If you think that the status quo will continue as before then what exactly is it a signal of to be continuing the XPA program exactly as before rather than some change in direction? That's all I asked you but you seem very defensive about it.
Heisenberg007
Gold Journalism
That's exactly what it is turning out to be.
You can't even play most of your Xbox library on the device. It's not an Xbox. It's a Windows gaming machine designed for PC users, very much like Rog Ally X.
Radical_3d
Member
I assume you've read the article? If so, you'll know that the thread title doesn't represent or capture the content being discussed.
Then, the link links to the plan to unify the Store and cross-device compatibility through PlayAnywhere. Several of us here were discussing MS's plan to convince studios and developers to embrace PlayAnywhere, and the link points to the place, sign, or clue where we'll learn more about that plan.
I fully understand what he's defending and arguing; you don't have to describe it to me because it's something he repeats in every thread on the subject.
The fact is that at no point have I addressed him, nor have I quoted him, nor was the link intended to respond to his statements. Otherwise, I would have simply quoted him.
You're the one who tried to interpret that quote as a response. It's your fault, and the normal thing to do would be to apologize for the confusion instead of insisting. Everyone can make a mistake, It's okay.
Aside from the fact that anyone here can use an emoji expressing disagreement with a comment or assessment, that doesn't mean the next comment is a response to that one. And even less so without a quote.
I assume you've read the article? If so, you'll know that the thread title doesn't represent or capture the content being discussed.
Then, the link links to the plan to unify the Store and cross-device compatibility through PlayAnywhere. Several of us here were discussing MS's plan to convince studios and developers to embrace PlayAnywhere, and the link points to the place, sign, or clue where we'll learn more about that plan.
I fully understand what he's defending and arguing; you don't have to describe it to me because it's something he repeats in every thread on the subject.
The fact is that at no point have I addressed him, nor have I quoted him, nor was the link intended to respond to his statements. Otherwise, I would have simply quoted him.
You're the one who tried to interpret that quote as a response. It's your fault, and the normal thing to do would be to apologize for the confusion instead of insisting. Everyone can make a mistake, It's okay.
Aside from the fact that anyone here can use an emoji expressing disagreement with a comment or assessment, that doesn't mean the next comment is a response to that one. And even less so without a quote.
I'm not sure why you're making the connection between the posts bigger than it is.
What exactly is this a sign of other than what
I asked a simple question and just said it kind of verifies the direction Retro sees them going. It's not that deep. And they already had a play anywhere program, why do you think they are pushing it so hard now, that's the question.
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Fess
Member
Yeah but I don’t think longtime Xbox users will accept that the solution when pulling the plug on Xbox consoles is to run rom files in some indie emulator.
I know I wouldn’t accept that.
I want official emulators, right on the normal UI, log in with my usual account, all my games instantly there in a library to download and install and play perfectly with all the achievements there etc like if I sit on an Xbox.
If they can’t achieve that they need to stop pretending that a PC is an Xbox because if I can’t play all my games it isn’t an Xbox and I’ll still need to keep my old Xbox around.
Project Kennan refers only to the ASUS-partner handheld that is expected to launch in 2025 under the Xbox label and will be Windows-based. That's why that paragraph, and that's why he invites people not to expect things like a full BC for that device.That's exactly what it is turning out to be.
You can't even play most of your Xbox library on the device. It's not an Xbox. It's a Windows gaming machine designed for PC users, very much like Rog Ally X.
It's differentiating between what would be a proprietary Xbox handheld and the XSeries replacement for 2027.
In other words, they're different things.
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Heisenberg007
Gold Journalism
Maybe, but we don't know what the 2027 handheld would look like. It's too far away as of now.
And we were talking about the 2025 Asus one anyway - the main subject of this thread.
??? If you're talking about that ASUS handheld (Project Kennan)and you draw conclusions about it, you can also talk about the Xbox Handheld and the XSeries replacement, since they're part of the same information. In fact, even the information gives more support for the 2027 Xbox Handheld than for Kennan, which might not even see the light of day.
The fact is that your comment implied that the lack of BC in Kennan/Asus partner handheld meant there would be no plan for BC in future Xbox devices, when that's not what is indicated in the article.
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ActusReusJB
Member
Do we know for sure this is true? The reason I ask is that it would imply that all contracts for digital distribution specifically call out Xbox Series S and X. If not so long as the device is running a form of the Xbox OS or has the ability to boot into it then it could be considered an “Xbox” at that point. I would think so long as you are not giving the consumer access to the content on another store then the publishers hands are tied. Play Anywhere is limited because you are getting the game on two different stores.
The reason I mention the above is that I would think with Microsoft’s backwards compatibility effort they would have not been short sighted and negotiated a change to the agreement to just stipulate Xbox going forward and not a specific console, otherwise they would have to go renegotiate all over again with the next console for backwards compatibility. At the time they were negotiating those deals they would have expected it to be a traditional console succession plan.
Chittagong
Gold Member
Microsoft has been thinking hard on how to do a bigger branding mess than a third generation Xbox called Xbox One, or an Xbox generation called Series.
After some intensive workshops in Whistler, they nailed it: let’s do an Xbox branded device that doesn’t run Xbox games, but that runs Windows games, and then let’s rename the Windows Store the Xbox Store so that all Windows games are Xbox games, but ones that don’t work with actual Xboxes.
I mean, that’s a god tier mess, couldn’t have done a better one even if I tried
After some intensive workshops in Whistler, they nailed it: let’s do an Xbox branded device that doesn’t run Xbox games, but that runs Windows games, and then let’s rename the Windows Store the Xbox Store so that all Windows games are Xbox games, but ones that don’t work with actual Xboxes.
I mean, that’s a god tier mess, couldn’t have done a better one even if I tried
Astray
Member
Publishers have lawyers too.
We're living in an age where companies rely on remaster, re-release and remake sales to bump up revenue. No one sane is going to give these jokers what is essentially a license in perpetuity.
Heisenberg007
Gold Journalism
1. This thread is about the ASUS product launching in 2025. That's what we are talking about.
2. There is no implication here. The report literally and very clearly mentions that this device will not run most of Xbox games, and it is a PC-centric gaming machine, which is what my original comment was.
HeisenbergFX4
Gold Member
Yeah some of us have said for awhile now this is a regular Windows machine that is coming this yearThat's exactly what it is turning out to be.
You can't even play most of your Xbox library on the device. It's not an Xbox. It's a Windows gaming machine designed for PC users, very much like Rog Ally X.
Xbox devices are coming at a later date, those will run your Xbox games
StereoVsn
Gold Member
Will MS actually release yet another handheld, this time custom “Xbox” one, in 2027?
That seems all sorts of strange to me and asking for yet another failure. Because in 2+ years actual Xbox ecosystem (not their pretend “everything is Xbox”) is going to be dead as a doornail.
It is going to be entertaining to watch though.
HeisenbergFX4
Gold Member
This Windows machine coming is so odd, what's its need right now in such a crowded market?
And yeah it seems like there will be an Xbox handheld in their next gen launch along with a more powerful system and these sound like actual Xbox machines
LOL, no, this thread discusses future Xbox hardware in general, and the same article in the paragraph you quote talks about much more than just that ASuS handheld/Project Kenna. In fact, the article gives more grounding to the actual Xbox hardware of 2027 than to the aforementioned ASUS partner handheld, which is a project that may never see the light of day.
Another thing is that you want to reduce the topic to one thing to support what you said there.
In your original quote, you narrowed down the definition of the future of Xbox hardware to this Kenna-Windows handheld and then followed it up with the ever-present "Xbox is dead" to conclude.
The reality is that based on that information/rumor, Kenna is only part of (and may not even see the light of day) much more. And that's why
HeisenbergFX4
quoted and responded to you as well.
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HeisenbergFX4
Gold Member
Yeah not sure how he can say this thread is only talking about this Asus device that we have known for a while now is a regular Windows handheld yet declare Xbox officially deadLOL, no, this thread discusses future Xbox hardware in general, and the same article in the paragraph you quote talks about much more than just that ASuS handheld/Project Kenna. In fact, the article gives more grounding to the actual Xbox hardware of 2027 than to the aforementioned ASUS partner handheld, which is a project that may never see the light of day.
Another thing is that you want to reduce the topic to one thing to support what you said there.
In your original quote, you narrowed down the definition of the future of Xbox hardware to this Kenna-Windows handheld and then followed it up with the ever-present "Xbox is dead" to conclude.
The reality is that based on that information/rumor, Kenna is only part of (and may not even see the light of day) much more. And that's why
However, I can see complete sense in this possible/current plan.
Today, there's no technology to offer a handheld that can natively play XSeries games. That is, anything other than Windows-based would have to have its own support and third-party support. That would be a product destined to die and cause a lot of headaches.
Surely KENNAN's idea is to use it to take a step further into the growing handheld market and be a response to SteamOS. In other words, to be a test bed and test the waters for a handheld of its own at a time (2027) when technology and strategy will coincide.
Whether this plan will succeed or not is another matter.
It's possible that by 2027, there will be enough technology for an Xbox handheld to run XSS games and, therefore, possibly native BC.
If we consider unifying stores, console-PC-Windows synergy in the XSeries replacement... you'd have more logical hardware to match that strategy.
Meanwhile, they need to make progress in the OS and Windows handhelds against SteamOS because it's starting to get late.
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