Microsoft has been annoyingly hesitant to offer a version of Windows that pairs well with an 8-inch screen.
Earlier this week,Windows Centralreported that Microsoft plans to unveil its gaming handheld this year.
As for ergonomics, we imagine it could bear a semblance to the companys current ROG Ally design.
© Artem Golub / Gizmodo
We can also expect it to use a new chip like theAMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme.
We caught our first glimpse of that new handheld-centric APU back at CES in January.
Asus is the company that made the ROG Ally and ROG Ally Xthe latter being our favorite big-budget handheld.
Do you know who is also a fan of the Ally?
Xbox CEO Phil Spencer.
He said as much last year in aninterview with IGN.
It only makes sense for the two companies to partner up.
Its a similar situation with Valve and Lenovo.
This supposed Asus handheld will still be Windows-based but with an Xbox UI papered over it.
The Verge noted this would be a common Xbox UI across multiple types of devices.
That could include an app store specific to its games.
Windows Centrals report also noted Microsofts plans for a console follow-up from the Xbox Series X/S.
The next-gen hardware may arrive in 2027 and might be more like a PC than a traditional Xbox.
That would make sense, as Microsoft would only have to use its new UX.
The outlet mentioned that the console could even incorporate third-party game storefronts, including Steam.
We hope Microsofts eventual design isnt as chunky, but you know what would really get nostalgic gamers going?
Bring back the black-and-white buttons.
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