ASUS Xbox handheld pics surface online

Photos of ASUS' Xbox-compatible handheld, codenamed Project Kennan, appear to have surfaced online through leaks.

As initially reported by 91mobiles and later picked up by Eurogamer, two color variants of the ASUS ROG Ally 2 (white and black models) seem to have been certified through Indonesia's regulatory body, with documentation referencing since-removed FCC filings in the U.S.

Both models feature Xbox-style button layouts (Y, B, A, X instead of PlayStation or Nintendo configurations), with the black unit displaying a distinctive Xbox-branded button near the left thumbstick. Current technical specifications remain unclear, leaving open questions about performance differences between the color options.

Industry insider Jez Corden of Windows Central suggests the devices are undergoing testing at Microsoft headquarters, with a potential unveiling scheduled around May 20.

Photos of Xbox's "Project Kennan" seem to have leaked. https://t.co/fQiMISNMJZ

— Jez (@JezCorden) May 7, 2025

ASUS' ROG division recently teased the collaboration through social media, showcasing both a special edition Xbox controller and handheld device. The official Xbox account responded with an animated reaction, hinting at an upcoming announcement.

This development aligns with IGN's previous reporting about Microsoft's hardware roadmap, which includes next-generation Xbox consoles and a potential 2025 release for an Xbox-licensed portable gaming device.

Though this specific handheld isn't Microsoft's own product, the company has confirmed development of first-party Xbox portable hardware, tentatively slated for 2027 alongside their next console generation. Gaming chief Phil Spencer has cautioned this project remains in early stages.

Regarding Microsoft's next-gen hardware: production has reportedly commenced for the Xbox Series X successor, aligning with executive Sarah Bond's statement about delivering "the most significant technological leap in console history" within two years.