Gaming hardware giant ASUS has recently teased what could be an exciting new development in the world of portable gaming: an Xbox-branded handheld device. Shared via the ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) account on X/Twitter, a teaser video hinted at a "little robot friend" working on something special, revealing brief glimpses of both an ROG Xbox controller and a mysterious handheld system.
The teaser comes on the heels of a report from IGN last month, which discussed Microsoft's broader hardware ambitions. These include plans for a next-generation Xbox console expected in 2027 and a potential Xbox-branded handheld that could hit the market later in 2025.
The handheld device shown in ASUS's teaser sports buttons clearly designed for Xbox, featuring the familiar Y, B, A, and X layout, along with a D-pad, two thumbsticks, and additional smaller buttons. Though these details are somewhat obscured, the design is unmistakable.
Adding fuel to the speculation, the official Xbox account responded to ASUS's tweet with a playful wide-eyed gif, hinting that a formal reveal could be imminent.
While exact details on a launch date or window remain under wraps, the teaser's backdrop—a monitor displaying "Marathon stamina, more capacity, faster speeds" and "fresh look!"—suggests some of the handheld's key selling points.
Microsoft's interest in expanding its gaming ecosystem was further highlighted in January when Jason Ronald, the company's VP of 'Next Generation,' spoke to The Verge about merging Xbox and Windows experiences for PC gaming handhelds developed by OEMs like ASUS, Lenovo, and Razer.
Meanwhile, Microsoft continues to plan its next moves in the console market. Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft's gaming division, has indicated that a first-party Xbox handheld remains a distant prospect. Additionally, the successor to the Xbox Series X is reportedly in full production, with a planned release in 2027, aligning with Xbox president Sarah Bond's statements about pushing forward with a significant technological advancement in the next generation of hardware.
As the gaming industry evolves, there's ongoing debate about the role of traditional consoles. Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, recently suggested a future where gaming might rely less on consoles, despite major players like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo continuing to innovate. Nintendo, in particular, is set to unveil details about its highly anticipated Switch 2 in an upcoming Nintendo Direct on April 2, where fans are eager to learn about new features, release dates, and pre-order information.
