ASUS Teases Xbox-Handheld Device

Gaming hardware company ASUS has recently unveiled what appears to be an Xbox-branded handheld device through a teaser shared on the ASUS Republic of Gamers X/Twitter account. The teaser features a "little robot friend" working on a project, giving us a glimpse of both a Republic of Gamers (ROG) Xbox controller and a handheld system.

Last month, IGN reported on Microsoft's ambitious plans for video game hardware, which include a full next-generation Xbox slated for 2027 and a potential Xbox-branded gaming handheld expected to launch later in 2025.

The teaser from ASUS provides further evidence, showcasing a handheld with buttons arranged in the typical Xbox layout (Y, B, A, and X), along with a D-pad, two thumbsticks, and four additional smaller buttons, though these are not clearly visible.

Adding to the excitement, the official Xbox account acknowledged the teaser with a playful wide-eyed gif, hinting at an upcoming reveal.

pic.twitter.com/ONZpeEmNka

— Xbox (@Xbox) March 31, 2025

While details on the reveal date and launch window remain undisclosed, the monitor in the teaser lists "Marathon stamina, more capacity, faster speeds" and "fresh look!" as potential unique selling points of the new handheld.

In January, Jason Ronald, Microsoft's VP of 'Next Generation,' informed The Verge of plans to integrate Xbox and Windows experiences for PC gaming handhelds developed by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as ASUS, Lenovo, and Razer.

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Although this Xbox-branded gaming handheld is not a Microsoft-made console, the company is reportedly set to launch its own in 2027, coinciding with the release of its next-generation Xbox. Phil Spencer, Microsoft's gaming boss, 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 expected to be released in two years, aligning with Xbox president Sarah Bond's recent statement that Microsoft is "moving full speed ahead on our next generation hardware," aiming for the largest technological leap in a generation.

Amidst ongoing speculation about the future of gaming consoles, Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, has suggested a future generation that may rely less on gaming consoles. However, major players like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo continue to advance with new hardware. Nintendo's highly anticipated Switch 2 is set to be showcased in a Nintendo Direct on April 2, where fans eagerly await details on its features, release date, and pre-order information.