ASUS Teases Xbox-Branded Handheld

Gaming hardware giant ASUS has recently teased what could be a groundbreaking Xbox-branded handheld device through its Republic of Gamers (ROG) X/Twitter account. The teaser featured a "little robot friend" working on a project, revealing a glimpse of an ROG Xbox controller and a handheld system. This aligns with last month's IGN report about Microsoft's plans for a next-gen Xbox in 2027 and an Xbox-branded gaming handheld potentially launching later in 2025.

The teaser provided a clear view of the handheld's buttons, which are configured in the Xbox layout (Y, B, A, and X) rather than the PlayStation or Nintendo styles. The device also features a D-pad, two thumbsticks, and four additional smaller buttons, though these were harder to discern. Adding to the excitement, the official Xbox account responded to the teaser with a playful gif, hinting at an imminent reveal.

Unfortunately, no specific date for the reveal or a launch window has been announced yet. However, the monitor in the teaser displayed phrases like "Marathon stamina, more capacity, faster speeds," and "fresh look!" suggesting some of the handheld's key features.

In a related development, Jason Ronald, Microsoft’s VP of ‘Next Generation,’ spoke to The Verge in January about Microsoft's intention to blend Xbox and Windows experiences for PC gaming handhelds developed by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like ASUS, Lenovo, and Razer.

While this Xbox-branded handheld won't be a Microsoft-made console, the company is reportedly preparing to launch its own first-party handheld in the future. Phil Spencer, Microsoft's gaming boss, indicated that a Microsoft-made handheld is still years away. Meanwhile, the successor to the Xbox Series X, now in full production, is expected to launch in 2027, in line with Xbox president Sarah Bond's statement about moving "full speed ahead" on next-gen hardware.

Amidst this, there's ongoing speculation about the future of gaming consoles. Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, recently suggested a future generation less reliant on gaming consoles. However, major players like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo are pushing forward with new hardware. Nintendo's much-anticipated Switch 2 is set to be showcased in a Nintendo Direct on April 2, with fans eager to learn about its features, release date, and pre-order details.