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 cooking something up," giving fans a sneak peek at an ROG Xbox controller and a handheld system.

This news follows last month's IGN report on Microsoft's ambitious plans for video game hardware, which include a full next-gen Xbox slated for 2027 and an Xbox-branded gaming handheld expected to launch later in 2025.

The handheld teased by ASUS prominently displays Xbox-specific buttons such as Y, B, A, and X, as opposed to the configurations used by PlayStation and Nintendo. Additional features visible include a D-pad, two thumbsticks, and four smaller buttons, though these are not easily discernible in the teaser.

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

pic.twitter.com/ONZpeEmNka

— Xbox (@Xbox) March 31, 2025

While specific details remain under wraps, the monitor in ASUS's teaser boasts "Marathon stamina, more capacity, faster speeds" and a "fresh look!" These phrases give us a hint about what the handheld's unique selling points might be.

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 created 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 planning to release its own first-party Xbox handheld in the future, likely around 2027, coinciding with the launch of its next-gen Xbox. Microsoft gaming boss Phil Spencer recently 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 recent statement that Microsoft is "moving full speed ahead on our next generation hardware," focused on delivering the biggest technological leap ever in a generation.

Amidst these developments, there's ongoing debate about the future of gaming consoles. Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, recently suggested that future gaming might rely less on dedicated consoles, despite major companies like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo continuing to develop new hardware. Nintendo is set to unveil its highly anticipated Switch 2 at a Nintendo Direct on April 2, where fans are eager to learn more about the device's features, release date, and pre-order details.