ASUS Teases Xbox-Branded Handheld

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 an intriguing teaser featuring its "little robot friend" working on a project, 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 expected to hit the market later in 2025. The teaser from ASUS further fuels this speculation, as the handheld device clearly displays Xbox-specific buttons (Y, B, A, and X) along with a D-pad, two thumbsticks, and four additional smaller buttons, though these are somewhat obscured in the teaser.

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 details remain scarce, 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.

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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.

Meanwhile, the successor to the Xbox Series X is 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 these developments, there's ongoing debate about the future of gaming consoles. Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, recently suggested a future where gaming might rely less on dedicated consoles, despite major players like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo continuing to innovate. Nintendo's highly anticipated Switch 2 is set to be unveiled in a Nintendo Direct on April 2, with fans eagerly awaiting details on its features, release date, and pre-order information.