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 teased its "little robot friend cooking something up," showcasing a glimpse of both an ROG Xbox controller and a mysterious handheld system.
Last month, IGN shed light on Microsoft’s ambitious plans in the video game hardware space, hinting at a full next-gen Xbox slated for 2027 and an Xbox-branded gaming handheld potentially launching later in 2025.
The teaser from ASUS provides more than just a hint—the handheld clearly sports Xbox-specific buttons (Y, B, A, and X), a D-pad, two thumbsticks, and four smaller buttons, though the latter are a bit tricky to discern.
Adding to the excitement, the official Xbox account chimed in with a playful wide-eyed gif, hinting that a major reveal might be on the horizon.
pic.twitter.com/ONZpeEmNka
— Xbox (@Xbox) March 31, 2025
While details are still sparse, with no set date for a full reveal or launch, the monitor in the teaser boasts "Marathon stamina, more capacity, faster speeds" and a "fresh look!" These could be 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 merge Xbox and Windows experiences for PC gaming handhelds produced by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as ASUS, Lenovo, and Razer.
### Xbox Games Series Tier ListXbox Games Series Tier List
Although this Xbox-branded gaming handheld isn't a direct Microsoft product, rumors suggest that Microsoft is gearing up to release its own console in 2027, coinciding with its next-gen Xbox. Phil Spencer, Microsoft's gaming chief, has hinted that a first-party Xbox handheld is still several years away.
The successor to the Xbox Series X is reportedly in "full" production and expected to launch in two years, aligning with Xbox president Sarah Bond's statement that Microsoft is "moving full speed ahead on our next generation hardware," aiming for a significant technological leap.
Amidst ongoing speculation about the future of gaming consoles, Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, predicts a shift away from traditional consoles, even as major players like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo continue to develop new hardware. Nintendo's highly anticipated Switch 2 will be unveiled in a Nintendo Direct on April 2, with fans eager to learn about its features, release date, and pre-order details.
