ASUS Teases Xbox-Branded Handheld

Gaming hardware giant ASUS has recently teased what could be a highly anticipated Xbox-branded handheld device. The ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) X/Twitter account shared a captivating teaser featuring its "little robot friend" cooking up something exciting, which included a brief glimpse of an ROG Xbox controller and a mysterious handheld system.

This development follows IGN's report last month about Microsoft's ambitious plans for video game hardware. These plans reportedly include a next-generation Xbox set for release in 2027 and an Xbox-branded gaming handheld slated to launch later in 2025.

The handheld device teased by ASUS prominently displays Xbox-specific buttons (Y, B, A, and X), a D-pad, two thumbsticks, and four additional smaller buttons, though these are somewhat obscured 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

Although details on the reveal and launch dates remain scarce, the monitor in the teaser boasts "Marathon stamina, more capacity, faster speeds" and a "fresh look!" These phrases suggest potential unique selling points of the upcoming 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 manufactured by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Notable OEMs in the PC gaming space include ASUS, Lenovo, and Razer.

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It's important to note that while this Xbox-branded gaming handheld is not a Microsoft-made console, the company is reportedly working on its own console, expected to launch in 2027, alongside its next-generation Xbox. Phil Spencer, Microsoft's gaming boss, has indicated 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 set to launch 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 advancement in a generation.

Amidst this buzz around new console developments, Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, has suggested a future where gaming relies less on traditional 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, with fans eager to learn about its features, release date, and pre-order details.