ASUS Teases Xbox-Branded Handheld

Gaming hardware giant ASUS has recently teased what could be the much-anticipated Xbox-branded handheld device. The ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) X/Twitter account shared a tantalizing glimpse of its "little robot friend cooking something up," featuring 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 expected to hit the market later in 2025. The teaser from ASUS provides a clear view of the handheld's buttons, which are configured in the familiar Xbox layout (Y, B, A, and X), along with a D-pad, two thumbsticks, and four smaller additional buttons, though these are somewhat obscured.

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 on the reveal date and launch window remain under wraps, the monitor in the teaser boasts "Marathon stamina, more capacity, faster speeds" and a "fresh look!" These phrases suggest the handheld's key selling points.

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 developed by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like ASUS, Lenovo, and Razer.

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Although 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. Phil Spencer, Microsoft's gaming chief, has hinted that a first-party Xbox handheld is still years away.

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 most significant technological leap in a generation.

Amidst the buzz about future consoles, Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, recently suggested a future where gaming relies less on traditional consoles, despite major players like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo continuing to innovate. Nintendo's eagerly awaited Switch 2 is set to be unveiled in a Nintendo Direct on April 2, where fans are eager to learn about its features, release date, and pre-order details.