Gaming hardware company ASUS has unveiled a tantalizing glimpse of what could be the rumored Xbox-branded handheld device. The ASUS Republic of Gamers X/Twitter account shared a teaser featuring its "little robot friend cooking something up," which briefly showcased both a Republic of Gamers (ROG) Xbox controller and a handheld system.
Last month, IGN reported on Microsoft's ambitious video game hardware plans, which include a full next-gen Xbox slated for 2027 and an Xbox-branded gaming handheld potentially launching later in 2025.
The handheld device in ASUS's teaser clearly displays buttons configured in the Xbox layout (Y, B, A, and X), distinct from PlayStation's triangle, circle, cross, and square, or Nintendo's X, A, B, and Y. Additionally, it features a D-pad, two thumbsticks, and four smaller buttons, though these are somewhat obscured in the teaser.
Adding to the intrigue, the official Xbox account responded to the teaser with a cheeky wide-eyed gif, hinting at an upcoming reveal.
pic.twitter.com/ONZpeEmNka
— Xbox (@Xbox) March 31, 2025
While specifics such as a reveal date or launch window remain undisclosed, the monitor in the teaser promises "Marathon stamina, more capacity, faster speeds," and a "fresh look!" These hints suggest potential unique selling points for the 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 produced by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), such as ASUS, Lenovo, and Razer.
### Xbox Games Series Tier ListXbox Games Series Tier List
Although this Xbox-branded gaming handheld is not a direct Microsoft product, the company is reportedly gearing up to launch its own console in 2027, possibly alongside its next-gen Xbox. Microsoft gaming boss Phil Spencer has hinted that a first-party Xbox handheld is still years away.
Meanwhile, the successor to the Xbox Series X is purportedly "fully" in production and expected to debut in two years. This aligns with Xbox president Sarah Bond's recent assertion that Microsoft was "moving full speed ahead on our next generation hardware, focused on delivering the biggest technological leap ever in a generation."
The future of gaming consoles has been a topic of much speculation, with Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, suggesting that future generations may rely less on traditional gaming consoles. Despite this, major players like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo continue to advance with new hardware. Nintendo's highly anticipated Switch 2 device will be showcased in a Nintendo Direct on April 2, where fans can expect details on what features the Switch 2 brings to the table, its release date, and how pre-orders will be managed.
