Rumor: Xbox Handheld Device to Feature Custom Low-Power APU from AMD

Xbox Handheld Will Retain AMD APU Architecture

In a surprising twist to earlier speculations, the upcoming Xbox handheld device will not transition to ARM architecture. Instead, it will operate on a custom AMD APU, as per insights shared by industry insiders.

Prominent AMD leaker, KeplerL2, posted in the NeoGAF forums regarding the handheld’s specifications. He clarified that the device will utilize a unique low-power APU developed by AMD, reinforcing the long-standing partnership between the two companies.

APU Options for Xbox Handhelds

While the primary power source will be from AMD, the Xbox-branded handhelds will have a variety of options available to choose from. These may include:

Z2E from AMD
Lunar/Panther Lake from Intel
X Elite 2 from Qualcomm
N1 from NVIDIA

The Rationale Behind Choosing AMD

Microsoft’s decision to continue collaboration with AMD for its next-generation systems, including the long-anticipated handheld, was largely expected following previous announcements. However, a recent job listing hinted at a possible shift towards ARM architecture, which sparked speculation about potential benefits such as power efficiency suitable for mobile gaming. Still, this transition could pose significant compatibility challenges with existing software, likely contradicting Microsoft’s current strategy to broaden Xbox game accessibility across multiple platforms.

Looking Ahead: Project Kennan

Although the launch of the Xbox handheld appears to be on the horizon, fans can expect a preview of Microsoft’s handheld gaming strategy through the initial branded models. The first iteration, referred to as Project Kennan, is being developed in partnership with ASUS and aims to run on Windows. It will also feature an interface reminiscent of existing Xbox consoles, offering familiarity to gamers. The anticipated release is scheduled before the year’s end.

As we await further developments on this new gaming venture, it’s clear that Microsoft is positioning itself to innovate within the portable gaming market without sacrificing the extensive library of Xbox titles.

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