Gaming hardware giant ASUS has recently teased what could be the much-talked-about Xbox-branded handheld device. The ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) X/Twitter account shared a tantalizing teaser featuring its "little robot friend cooking something up," giving fans a sneak peek at both an ROG Xbox controller and a handheld system.
Last month, IGN shed light on Microsoft's ambitious plans for video game hardware, which reportedly include a next-gen Xbox slated for 2027 and an Xbox-branded gaming handheld potentially launching later in 2025. The teaser from ASUS further fuels this speculation, as the handheld device clearly displays buttons configured in the Xbox style (Y, B, A, and X), along with a D-pad, two thumbsticks, and four smaller additional buttons, though these are somewhat obscured in the image.
Adding to the excitement, 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 specific details such as a reveal date or launch window remain under wraps, the monitor in the teaser hints at the handheld's key features: "Marathon stamina, more capacity, faster speeds," and a "fresh look!" These points suggest what ASUS and Microsoft might be aiming for with this new device.
In January, Jason Ronald, Microsoft’s VP of ‘Next Generation,’ shared with The Verge that the company intends to merge Xbox and Windows experiences for PC gaming handhelds developed by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like ASUS, Lenovo, and Razer.
While this Xbox-branded gaming handheld isn't a Microsoft-made console, the company is reportedly gearing up to launch its own in 2027, coinciding with the release of its next-gen Xbox. Microsoft gaming boss Phil Spencer has hinted that a first-party Xbox handheld is still years away. Meanwhile, the successor to the Xbox Series X is now reportedly in full production and set 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 the biggest technological leap in a generation.
The future of gaming consoles continues to be a hot topic, with Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, predicting a future generation that will rely less on gaming consoles. Despite this, major players like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo are forging ahead with new hardware. Nintendo's highly anticipated Switch 2 is set to be showcased in a Nintendo Direct on April 2, where fans are eager to learn more about its features, release date, and pre-order details.
