Gaming hardware giant ASUS has given us a sneak peek at what could be the much-talked-about Xbox-branded handheld device.
The ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) X/Twitter account dropped a teaser featuring a "little robot friend" hard at work, showcasing what appears to be an ROG Xbox controller alongside a new handheld system.
Last month, IGN shed light on Microsoft's ambitious hardware plans, hinting at a full next-gen Xbox slated for 2027 and an Xbox-branded gaming handheld potentially launching later in 2025.
The handheld teased by ASUS sports Xbox-specific buttons like Y, B, A, and X, setting it apart from PlayStation's triangle, circle, cross, and square or Nintendo's X, A, B, and Y. It also features a D-pad, two thumbsticks, and four smaller additional buttons, though these are a bit hard to see clearly.
Adding fuel to the fire, the official Xbox account responded to the teaser with a playful wide-eyed gif, hinting at an upcoming reveal.
pic.twitter.com/ONZpeEmNka
— Xbox (@Xbox) March 31, 2025
While details are sparse, the monitor in the teaser promises "Marathon stamina, more capacity, faster speeds," and a "fresh look!" suggesting some of the handheld's key features.
Back in January, Microsoft’s VP of ‘Next Generation,’ Jason Ronald, shared with The Verge that the company aims to merge Xbox and Windows experiences for PC gaming handhelds crafted by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like ASUS, Lenovo, and Razer.
### Xbox Games Series Tier ListXbox Games Series Tier List
Although this Xbox-branded handheld isn't a direct Microsoft product, rumors suggest the tech giant is gearing up to release its own console in 2027, possibly alongside the next-gen Xbox. Microsoft gaming chief Phil Spencer hinted that a first-party Xbox handheld is still years away.
Meanwhile, the successor to the Xbox Series X is reportedly in full production and expected in two years, aligning with Xbox president Sarah Bond's assertion that Microsoft is "moving full speed ahead on our next generation hardware," aiming for a monumental technological leap.
The future of gaming consoles continues to be a hot topic, with Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, predicting a shift away from traditional consoles. Yet, major players like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo are forging ahead with new hardware. Nintendo's eagerly awaited Switch 2 is set for a spotlight in an upcoming Nintendo Direct on April 2, where fans eagerly await details on its features, release date, and pre-order information.
