Kinda Funny Games Daily: Xbox Report – Handheld Plans & Next-Gen Coming 2027

Episode Overview

In the March 13, 2025 episode of Kinda Funny Games Daily: Xbox Report: Handheld Plans, Next-Gen Coming 2027, hosts Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller, Tim Gettys, and Blessing Adeoye Jr., alongside guest Paris Lilly, delve deep into Microsoft's ambitious plans for the Xbox ecosystem. The episode covers a range of topics, including the development of an Xbox handheld device, the upcoming next-generation Xbox console slated for 2027, Bethesda's highly anticipated Oblivion remake, and Microsoft's innovative AI-powered gaming assistant, Xbox Copilot. Additionally, the hosts touch upon the revival of the Defiance MMO, the shutdown of Specter Divide, and other pertinent gaming news.

1. Xbox's Strategic Expansion: Handheld and Next-Gen Consoles

Timestamp: 02:16 – 32:16

The episode kicks off with an in-depth discussion about Microsoft's latest ventures in the gaming hardware market. Tim Gettys introduces the primary focus: Microsoft's plans to release both a new next-gen Xbox console and a dedicated Xbox handheld device by 2027.

Project Keenan: The Xbox Handheld Initiative

• Codename Clarification: Initially referred to as Project Keenan (13:43), the handheld device is later correctly identified as Project Kenan (14:07). The discrepancy highlights the internal codenaming nuances at Microsoft.

• Manufacturer Partnership: The handheld is being developed in collaboration with Asus, specifically leveraging their expertise in portable gaming devices like the ASUS ROG Ally. Greg expresses enthusiasm for this partnership, emphasizing Asus's reputation for high-quality hardware.

• Technical Specifications & Pricing: Preliminary reports suggest the device will be powered by AMD's Z2GO chipset, positioning it competitively against existing handhelds like the Steam Deck. Estimated pricing ranges between $499 and $599, making it a mid-tier option in the portable gaming market.

• Unified Xbox Interface – Project Bayside: A significant feature of the handheld is Project Bayside, aiming to unify the Xbox and Windows user interfaces. This integration ensures seamless gaming experiences across different devices, promoting versatility and user-friendly navigation.

Next-Gen Xbox Console for 2027

• Release Timeline: A successor to the Xbox Series X is confirmed for a 2027 launch, promising enhanced performance and new features to keep up with the ever-evolving gaming landscape.

• Ecosystem Focus: The hosts emphasize that Microsoft's strategy revolves around building a cohesive Xbox ecosystem rather than merely selling consoles. This includes advancements in cloud gaming, game pass subscriptions, and broader platform integration.

Host Insights and Reactions

Blessing Adeoye Jr. expresses a blend of excitement and concern regarding the handheld's integration within the existing Xbox ecosystem. He states, “I just want them to do well” (4:28), highlighting his support despite potential backlash from core Xbox fans.

Tim Gettys underscores the importance of user experience, urging Microsoft to ensure the handheld is as "turnkey" as possible, minimizing setup complexities for gamers (27:06). Greg Miller adds perspective on the necessity for seamless integration with existing Xbox services, emphasizing the importance of native Xbox Game Pass functionality.

2. Bethesda's Oblivion Remake: A Leap into Unreal Engine 5

Timestamp: 41:43 – 50:20

The conversation shifts to Bethesda's ambitious project to remake the classic Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion using Unreal Engine 5. This initiative aims to breathe new life into the beloved RPG with enhanced graphics and revamped gameplay mechanics.

Key Features of the Remake:

• Enhanced Gameplay Systems: The remake promises six reworked gameplay elements, including stamina management, sneaking mechanics, blocking systems inspired by "souls-like" games, improved archery, hit reactions, and an overhauled HUD.

• Release Timeline: According to sources cited by Tim Gettys, the remake could be revealed in the coming weeks with a potential release as early as next month (15:41).

• Developer Insights: Greg shares excitement about Virtuous, the studio handling the remake, predicting their potential recognition in upcoming gaming awards (44:22).

Collaborative Efforts:

• Elder Scrolls Podcast Series: A significant highlight is the collaboration between Kinda Funny and the Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) development team. This limited podcast series aims to explore the game's decade-long journey, offering fans an insider’s look into the development process and future directions.

Host Perspectives:

Blessing Adeoye Jr. voices skepticism about the timing of the remake's release, especially its proximity to other major Bethesda projects like Vowed. He questions whether the simultaneous launches might lead to market cannibalization (47:09).

Tim Gettys counters by emphasizing the enduring legacy of Bethesda’s RPGs, likening Oblivion’s revival to the timeless appeal of Skyrim. He highlights the potential for the remake to reinvigorate both old fans and attract new ones (47:14).

3. Microsoft's Xbox Copilot: AI-Powered Gaming Assistant

Timestamp: 54:42 – 63:14

One of the standout topics of the episode is Microsoft's introduction of Xbox Copilot, an AI-driven assistant designed to enhance the gaming experience.

Features of Xbox Copilot:

• Gameplay Guidance: The Copilot acts as a virtual coach, offering real-time tips, strategies, and game-specific advice. In an Overwatch 2 demo, it coached players on team dynamics and hero selections (56:17).

• Integration with Xbox Mobile App: Initially available through the Xbox mobile app, Copilot is intended to function as a companion tool, assisting players without interrupting gameplay.

• Future Developments: While the initial launch won't include all features, Microsoft plans to expand Copilot's capabilities based on user feedback from Xbox insiders.

Host Reactions:

Blessing Adeoye Jr. finds the concept amusing yet critiquely notes its execution might fall short. He comments, “It's basically Clippy, Clippy book for, dude” (57:18), referencing the outdated Microsoft assistant to highlight potential inefficiencies.

Tim Gettys echoes concerns about user-friendliness and actual utility, expressing a desire for seamless integration without requiring additional setup: “I just want it to work without me doing it because I don't have time” (60:03).

Despite skepticism, the hosts acknowledge the potential benefits for accessibility, although they worry about its impact on traditional gaming guides and online resources.

4. Revival of Defiance MMO and Shutdown of Specter Divide

Timestamp: 62:54 – 66:50

The episode covers significant server news within the MMORPG and shooter genres.

Revival of Defiance MMO:

• Background: Defiance, a third-person shooter MMO tied to a sci-fi TV show, originally launched in 2013 but shut down in 2021.

• Comeback Plans: Fox's gaming subsidiary, Gamigo, has secured the rights to revive Defiance, aiming to reintroduce the game to both old fans and new players (64:21).

• Host Perspectives: Blessing Adeoye Jr. admits unfamiliarity with the game but acknowledges the uniqueness of its TV-game integration concept. He remains cautiously optimistic about its potential impact.

Shutdown of Specter Divide:

• Overview: Specter Divide, a free-to-play shooter akin to Valorant where players control dual avatars, announced its shutdown mere months post-launch in September 2024 due to insufficient active players and revenue (65:01).

• Market Analysis: The hosts discuss the challenging landscape for free-to-play shooters, noting the saturation of the market with titles trying to emulate Valorant and Battle Royale successes. Blessing remarks, “It's tough to make it in any of them” (67:14).

5. Additional Gaming News Highlights

Timestamp: 56:32 – 75:07

The hosts provide brief updates on various other gaming news items, including:

• Nintendo's San Francisco Store Opening: Scheduled for May 15th, the new store marks Nintendo's continued expansion in key markets. Blessing shares concerns about the location's current state, noting, “It's more so like a ghost town than anything” (70:54).

• Disco Elysium's Mobile Adaptation: The original studio, Zaum Studios, is adapting Disco Elysium for mobile devices using a reimagined format aimed at engaging TikTok users with short, compelling story snippets (68:30). The hosts express disappointment over the departure from the original creative team.

• Assassin's Creed Shadows on Steam Deck: Ubisoft confirms that Assassin's Creed Shadows will be compatible with the Steam Deck, addressing community concerns about cross-platform functionality (70:24).

6. Conclusion and Community Engagement

Timestamp: 75:07 – End

As the episode nears its end, the hosts engage with their live audience through chat interactions, addressing listener comments and reflecting on the discussed topics. They promote upcoming content, including Blessing's review of Outer Wilds and reviews of Alien Resurrection and Nick's Nuzlocke streaming sessions.

Calls to Action:

• Support the Channel: The hosts encourage listeners to become Kinda Funny members to access ad-free content and support their small business (03:54).

• Upcoming Collaborations: Announcement of a limited podcast series in collaboration with the ESO development team to celebrate ten years of Kind of Funny podcasts, aiming to provide in-depth insights into game development processes.

Final Takeaways:

The episode underscores Microsoft's commitment to expanding the Xbox ecosystem through strategic hardware partnerships and innovative software solutions. While addressing gaming industry challenges, Kinda Funny Games Daily offers a balanced perspective, blending enthusiasm with critical analysis to inform and engage their audience.

Notable Quotes:

• Blessing Adeoye Jr. on Xbox Fans:

  “I feel like when people see the Xbox background, they don't want to see me and you.” (03:12)

• Tim Gettys on Xbox Handheld Excitement:

  “I am very interested in the rumors of the article we just read that it's going to be the Xbox interface. It's going to unify Xbox and Windows.” (22:45)

• Blessing Adeoye Jr. on Project Bayside:

  “I think the reporting of hey, the Xbox is going to come. The next-gen Xbox is planned for 2027 alongside an original Xbox handheld.” (32:16)

• Tim Gettys on Xbox Copilot:

  “I just want it to work without me doing it because I don't have time.” (60:03)

• Blessing Adeoye Jr. on AI Integration:

  “Nobody believes in the ideas. The creatives that are implementing these do not. They know it doesn't.” (57:58)

Closing Remarks

As Kinda Funny Games Daily wraps up, the hosts reaffirm their dedication to providing comprehensive and engaging gaming news. They invite listeners to stay tuned for future episodes and participate actively through memberships and live interactions.

Note: All timestamps correspond to the provided transcript and are intended to guide listeners to specific segments within the episode.