Leak: Extra proof of an Xbox handheld present in Home windows 11 preview

Rumor has it that Microsoft is growing an Xbox-branded gaming handheld, and it appears Home windows 11 is being prepped for that. The launch of the beforehand unannounced Xbox handheld is predicted as early as this yr, however there haven’t been any official particulars but.

In a tweet by consumer Xeno (noticed by Home windows Newest), each Beta and Dev Channel previews of Home windows 11 have new language expertise packs that appear to reference a brand new consumer interface that’s apparently being developed particularly for gaming handhelds.

These new references level to one thing known as “Gaming Posture” in addition to phrasings like “Boot into the full-screen expertise at system startup” and “Select your full-screen expertise.” The info additionally exhibits settings for efficiency monitoring, decision, controllers and keyboard shortcuts, amongst different issues.

“Gaming Posture” may very well be a placeholder title or an inner designation for the brand new consumer expertise that Microsoft is growing. Both approach, a handheld-specific interface could be a much-needed step ahead, as Home windows is presently lagging behind top-dog SteamOS and its user-friendly Steam Deck on this regard.

Extra clues from Asus

Simply yesterday, we bought a distinct kind of clue to the opportunity of an Xbox handheld within the type of a video teaser revealed by Asus. It exhibits a robotic throwing a ROG Ally gaming handheld and a Raikiri Professional controller collectively to create a brand new product.

It’s notable that the controller is kind of paying homage to your typical Xbox gamepad, which is prompting many to suspect a collaboration between Asus and Microsoft—not a farfetched transfer since Microsoft desires to supply its {hardware} with different producers.

Till now, it wasn’t recognized who else could be engaged on “Undertaking Kennan,” the code title for the Xbox handheld. Nonetheless, Asus could be a very good candidate as the corporate has already launched a robust gaming handheld in the marketplace within the ROG Ally.

The Xbox account on X reacted to Asus’ teaser in a humorous approach and easily posted a meme that may very well be interpreted as an oblique affirmation. Alternatively, Microsoft is completely satisfied concerning the fanned rumor mill, which brings extra publicity to the Xbox handheld that hasn’t even been formally confirmed but.