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 posted a tantalizing teaser featuring its "little robot friend" working on a project, briefly revealing both an ROG Xbox controller and a handheld system.

This follows a report from IGN last month detailing Microsoft's ambitious plans for gaming hardware, including a next-generation Xbox slated for 2027 and a potential Xbox-branded gaming handheld set to launch later in 2025.

The teaser from ASUS provides a clear look at the handheld's buttons, arranged in the familiar Xbox layout with Y, B, A, and X buttons, alongside a D-pad, two thumbsticks, and four smaller additional buttons, though these are somewhat obscured in the image. The configuration differs from the PlayStation's triangle, circle, cross, and square, as well as Nintendo's X, A, B, and Y setup.

Adding fuel to the speculation, the official Xbox account responded to ASUS's tweet with a playful wide-eyed gif, hinting at an upcoming reveal.

pic.twitter.com/ONZpeEmNka

— Xbox (@Xbox) March 31, 2025

While details such as a reveal date or launch window remain undisclosed, the monitor in the teaser promises "Marathon stamina, more capacity, faster speeds," and a "fresh look!" suggesting potential unique selling points for the handheld.

In January, Microsoft's VP of ‘Next Generation,’ Jason Ronald, shared with The Verge that the company aims to blend Xbox and Windows experiences for PC gaming handhelds crafted 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, there are reports that Microsoft is gearing up to launch its own in 2027, coinciding with the release of the next-gen 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 reportedly in full production and expected to hit the market in two years. This aligns with Xbox president Sarah Bond's statement about Microsoft being "moving full speed ahead on our next generation hardware," aiming for a significant technological advancement.

Amidst the buzz around future consoles, Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, recently expressed his view that the future might see a reduced reliance on gaming consoles, despite major companies like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo continuing to develop new hardware. 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.