ASUS Teases Xbox-Branded Handheld

Gaming hardware giant ASUS has recently teased what appears to be a new Xbox-branded handheld device. Shared via the ASUS Republic of Gamers X/Twitter account, the teaser features a "little robot friend" crafting something intriguing, giving fans a sneak peek at both a Republic of Gamers (ROG) Xbox controller and the handheld itself.

Last month, IGN shed light on Microsoft’s ambitious plans for video game hardware, hinting at a full next-gen Xbox slated for 2027 and an Xbox-branded gaming handheld potentially hitting the market later in 2025.

The ASUS teaser offers a clear view of the handheld's buttons, arranged in the iconic Xbox layout with Y, B, A, and X buttons, distinct from PlayStation's triangle, circle, cross, and square, or Nintendo's X, A, B, and Y. Additional features include a D-pad, two thumbsticks, and four smaller buttons, though these are harder to discern in the teaser.

Adding to the excitement, the official Xbox account playfully acknowledged the teaser with a wide-eyed gif, hinting at an upcoming reveal.

pic.twitter.com/ONZpeEmNka

— Xbox (@Xbox) March 31, 2025

Despite the buzz, details on the reveal date and launch window remain under wraps. However, the monitor in the teaser mentions "Marathon stamina, more capacity, faster speeds" and "fresh look!", suggesting key selling points for the new 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 produced by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like ASUS, Lenovo, and Razer.

While the Xbox-branded handheld isn't a Microsoft-made console, rumors persist about Microsoft planning its own console launch in 2027, coinciding with the next-gen Xbox. Microsoft gaming boss Phil Spencer has suggested that a first-party Xbox handheld remains years away.

The successor to the Xbox Series X is reportedly now in full production, set for release 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 significant technological advancement.

Amidst ongoing speculation about the future of gaming consoles, Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, recently predicted a shift away from traditional gaming consoles in future generations. Meanwhile, major players like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo continue to innovate. Nintendo's eagerly awaited Switch 2 is set to be unveiled in a Nintendo Direct on April 2, where fans can expect to learn about its features, release date, and pre-order details.