ASUS Teases Xbox-Handheld Device

Gaming hardware giant ASUS has recently teased what might be an upcoming Xbox-branded handheld device. The ASUS Republic of Gamers X/Twitter account posted a tantalizing glimpse of a "little robot friend cooking something up," featuring a Republic of Gamers (ROG) Xbox controller and a handheld system.

Last month, IGN shed light on Microsoft's expansive gaming hardware plans, which reportedly include a full next-gen Xbox slated for 2027 and an Xbox-branded handheld possibly launching later in 2025. The handheld in ASUS's teaser clearly displays an Xbox button layout (Y, B, A, and X), a D-pad, two thumbsticks, and four smaller additional buttons, although the latter are not clearly visible.

Adding to the intrigue, the official Xbox account responded to the teaser with a playful wide-eyed gif, hinting at an impending reveal.

pic.twitter.com/ONZpeEmNka

— Xbox (@Xbox) March 31, 2025

While details are scarce, the monitor in the teaser suggests the handheld's key features: "Marathon stamina, more capacity, faster speeds," and a "fresh look!" This gives us a sneak peek into what could set the device apart.

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

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

The successor to the Xbox Series X is reportedly in "full" production, set to release in two years, aligning with Xbox president Sarah Bond's assertion that Microsoft is "moving full speed ahead on our next generation hardware," aiming for the most significant technological leap in a generation.

Amidst ongoing speculation about the future of gaming consoles, Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, predicts a future generation that will rely less on gaming consoles. Yet, major players like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo continue to push forward with new hardware. Nintendo's highly anticipated Switch 2 will be showcased in a Nintendo Direct on April 2, where fans are eager to learn about its new features, release date, and pre-order details.