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 shared an intriguing teaser featuring its "little robot friend cooking something up," providing a sneak peek at both an ROG Xbox controller and a handheld system.

Last month, IGN shed light on Microsoft's ambitious plans in the video game hardware sector, which reportedly include a next-generation Xbox set for release in 2027 and an Xbox-branded gaming handheld potentially launching in late 2025.

The teaser from ASUS offers a clear view of the handheld's buttons, which are arranged in the iconic Xbox layout (Y, B, A, and X), distinguishing it from PlayStation's triangle, circle, cross, and square, and Nintendo's X, A, B, and Y configurations. The device also features a D-pad, two thumbsticks, and four additional smaller buttons, though these are less discernible in the teaser.

Adding to the excitement, the official Xbox account responded to 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 scarce, the monitor in the teaser lists "Marathon stamina, more capacity, faster speeds," and "fresh look!" as potential unique selling points for the handheld.

In January, Microsoft's VP of 'Next Generation,' Jason Ronald, shared with The Verge that Microsoft aims to integrate Xbox and Windows experiences for PC gaming handhelds manufactured by OEMs, including ASUS, Lenovo, and Razer.

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While the Xbox-branded gaming handheld isn't a Microsoft-made console, the company is reportedly gearing up to launch its own console in 2027, alongside the next-gen Xbox. Microsoft gaming boss Phil Spencer has hinted that a first-party Xbox handheld is still several years away.

The successor to the Xbox Series X is now reportedly in full production and slated for release in two years, aligning with Xbox president Sarah Bond's statement about Microsoft "moving full speed ahead on our next generation hardware," with a focus on achieving the most significant technological leap in a generation.

The future of consoles continues to be a hot topic, with Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, predicting a future generation that will rely less on gaming consoles, despite major players like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo pushing forward with new hardware. Nintendo's eagerly awaited Switch 2 device is set to be unveiled in a Nintendo Direct on April 2, where fans are eager to learn about its features, release date, and pre-order details.