ASUS Teases Xbox-Branded Handheld

Gaming hardware giant ASUS has recently teased what could potentially be the much-rumored Xbox-branded handheld device. The ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) X/Twitter account posted a tantalizing teaser featuring its "little robot friend" busy at work, hinting at the development of both an ROG Xbox controller and a handheld gaming system. This tease comes on the heels of last month's IGN report, which discussed Microsoft's ambitious plans for future gaming hardware, including a next-gen Xbox set for 2027 and an Xbox-branded handheld possibly launching later in 2025.

The handheld device shown in ASUS's teaser unmistakably features Xbox-specific buttons (Y, B, A, and X), a D-pad, two thumbsticks, and several smaller buttons, although the latter are somewhat obscured in the image. Adding to the intrigue, the official Xbox account responded to the teaser with a playful wide-eyed gif, hinting that a more detailed reveal could be on the horizon.

pic.twitter.com/ONZpeEmNka

— Xbox (@Xbox) March 31, 2025

While no specific dates for a reveal or launch have been disclosed, the monitor displayed in the teaser boasts "Marathon stamina, more capacity, faster speeds" and a "fresh look!" These phrases suggest some of the key selling points of the upcoming handheld.

In January, Jason Ronald, Microsoft’s VP of ‘Next Generation,’ shared with The Verge that the company aims to integrate Xbox and Windows experiences for PC gaming handhelds manufactured by OEMs like ASUS, Lenovo, and Razer. This strategy indicates a broader approach to gaming across different platforms.

While the teased Xbox-branded gaming handheld is not a Microsoft-made console, rumors suggest that Microsoft is planning to release its own first-party Xbox handheld in the coming years. Microsoft gaming boss Phil Spencer has indicated that a proprietary Xbox handheld is still some years away. Meanwhile, the successor to the Xbox Series X, now reportedly in full production, is expected to launch in 2027, aligning with Xbox president Sarah Bond's statement about Microsoft moving "full speed ahead" on its next-generation hardware, promising a significant technological leap.

The future of gaming consoles remains a topic of much debate, with Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, suggesting a shift away from traditional consoles in future generations, despite ongoing developments by major players like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo. Nintendo's much-anticipated Switch 2 is set to be unveiled in a Nintendo Direct on April 2, where fans eagerly await details on the device's features, release date, and pre-order information.