The mobile gaming universe has been heating up. Microsoft appears to be salivating over a larger portion of the pie. Insider whispers suggest that the technology giant is not just idly waiting on the sidelines. They are mapping out a strategy to challenge Valve's dominance of Steam Deck.
Project Kennan and Project Bayside: Microsoft's Two-Pronged Attack Strategy
Insider reports suggest Microsoft is hard at work developing two significant projects targeted directly at the mobile gaming sphere:
Project Kennan: A Hardware Play?
Rumor on the street is that this is a dedicated handheld console. It may be manufactured by ASUS but under the Xbox brand. Xbox on the move – that would seem to be the idea.
Project Bayside: Beyond Hardware
More fascinating is Project Bayside. It appears to be a platform software. Microsoft is reportedly working on consolidating an integrated ecosystem that brings the best of Windows and Xbox together. Imagine the convergence of Xbox functionality and the amazing compatibility of Windows, all in one place.
Why a Platform Play Matters
The report points out that Microsoft's real target is not the Steam Deck device itself, but rather SteamOS, Valve's operating system. SteamOS has been gaining traction. Other firms like Lenovo are choosing it for their handheld consoles. Microsoft seems to realize the platform – the software ecosystem and game store – is where the real battle for the portable gaming future will be waged.
By introducing Project Bayside, Microsoft might be working on creating a replacement platform. This platform would feature its own store for games and developer software. It would utilize the most favorable aspects of both Windows and Xbox. This would be a competitive rival to SteamOS. It might prove appealing both to gamers and to hardware manufacturers.
Breaking Up Valve's Portable Gaming Monopoly
Whether Microsoft can effectively "squeeze" Valve from its top position in handheld gaming is uncertain. But these ventures suggest a sincere commitment to competition. The potential synergy of an exclusive Xbox portable (Project Kennan) with a common software platform (Project Bayside) could prove a strong initiative. This could pave the way for an intriguing fight in the new universe of handheld gaming.
