Photos of ASUS' Xbox-branded handheld device, codenamed Project Kennan, have reportedly leaked online. As first reported by 91mobiles and spotted by Eurogamer, images of the ASUS ROG Ally 2 in both white and black variants surfaced via the Indonesian certification office, which linked to a now-deleted listing on the U.S.'s FCC website.
These images reveal the handheld's buttons are configured in the Xbox style, featuring Y, B, A, and X buttons, in contrast to PlayStation's triangle, circle, cross, and square, or Nintendo's X, A, B, and Y layout. Notably, the black variant showcases an Xbox button next to the thumbstick, although the 'X' logo is not clearly defined. While the full tech specs remain somewhat unclear, it's uncertain whether there are significant differences between the black and white models.
According to Windows Central's Jez Corden, the devices are currently undergoing testing at Microsoft HQ, and a reveal might be imminent, potentially around May 20. Corden shared the leak on his X/Twitter account, further fueling speculation.
Last month, ASUS Republic of Gamers' X/Twitter account teased both a Republic of Gamers (ROG) Xbox controller and handheld system, which the official Xbox account acknowledged with a playful wide-eyed gif, hinting at an upcoming formal reveal.
This development aligns with an earlier report from IGN about Microsoft's video game hardware ambitions, which include a full next-gen Xbox slated for 2027 and an Xbox-branded gaming handheld expected to launch later in 2025. Although the ASUS ROG Ally 2 is not a Microsoft-made console, Microsoft gaming boss Phil Spencer has hinted that a first-party Xbox handheld is still several years away.
Additionally, the successor to the Xbox Series X is reportedly in full production and set to launch in two years, corroborating Xbox president Sarah Bond's recent statement that Microsoft is "moving full speed ahead on our next generation hardware," aiming to deliver the biggest technological leap ever in a generation.
