ASUS Teases Xbox Handheld Console

Gaming hardware giant ASUS has recently given us a tantalizing glimpse of what might be the much-discussed Xbox-branded handheld device. The ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) X/Twitter account teased its "little robot friend cooking something up," showcasing a brief look at both an ROG Xbox controller and a handheld system.

Last month, IGN shed light on Microsoft’s ambitious plans for gaming hardware, which reportedly include a next-generation Xbox set for release in 2027 and an Xbox-branded gaming handheld expected to hit the market later in 2025.

The handheld device teased by ASUS prominently features Xbox-specific buttons like Y, B, A, and X, rather than the configurations seen on PlayStation or Nintendo systems. It also includes a D-pad, two thumbsticks, and four smaller buttons, though these are somewhat obscured in the teaser.

Adding to the excitement, the official Xbox account responded to ASUS's tweet with a playful wide-eyed gif, hinting at a forthcoming reveal.

pic.twitter.com/ONZpeEmNka

— Xbox (@Xbox) March 31, 2025

While specifics such as a release date remain under wraps, the monitor in the teaser displays the phrases "Marathon stamina, more capacity, faster speeds" and "fresh look!", hinting at the potential unique selling points of this new handheld.

In January, Jason Ronald, Microsoft’s VP of ‘Next Generation,’ shared with The Verge that the company aims 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 handheld isn't a Microsoft-made console, rumors suggest that Microsoft is gearing up to launch its own console in 2027, coinciding with the release of their next-gen Xbox. Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft gaming, has hinted that a first-party Xbox handheld is still years away.

Moreover, the successor to the Xbox Series X is reportedly in full production and slated for release in two years. This aligns with Xbox president Sarah Bond's recent statement that Microsoft is "moving full speed ahead on our next generation hardware," with a focus on achieving the most significant technological advancement in a generation.

The future of gaming consoles has been a hot topic, with Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, predicting a shift away from traditional consoles. However, major players like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo continue to forge ahead with new hardware. Nintendo's highly anticipated Switch 2 is set to be unveiled during a Nintendo Direct on April 2, where fans are eager to learn about its features, release date, and pre-order details.