ASUS Teases Xbox-Branded Handheld

Gaming hardware company ASUS has recently offered a tantalizing glimpse into what might be an upcoming 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 shed light on Microsoft's hardware ambitions, revealing plans for a full next-gen Xbox in 2027 and hinting at an Xbox-branded gaming handheld possibly launching later in 2025. The teaser from ASUS further supports this, displaying buttons clearly configured for Xbox (Y, B, A, and X), along with a D-pad, two thumbsticks, and four smaller additional buttons, though these are less 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 impending reveal.

pic.twitter.com/ONZpeEmNka

— Xbox (@Xbox) March 31, 2025

While specific details such as a reveal date or launch window remain undisclosed, the monitor in the teaser displayed phrases like "Marathon stamina, more capacity, faster speeds" and "fresh look!" These hints suggest potential unique selling points for the handheld.

In January, Jason Ronald, Microsoft’s VP of ‘Next Generation,’ discussed with The Verge the company's strategy to merge Xbox and Windows experiences for PC gaming handhelds produced by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like ASUS, Lenovo, and Razer.

Although this Xbox-branded handheld isn't a Microsoft-made console, the company is reportedly gearing up to launch its own in 2027, coinciding with the release of its next-gen Xbox. Microsoft gaming boss Phil Spencer has indicated that a first-party Xbox handheld is still years away.

The successor to the Xbox Series X is reportedly in full production and set to launch in two years, aligning with Xbox president Sarah Bond's statement that Microsoft is "moving full speed ahead on our next generation hardware," aiming for the biggest technological leap ever.

Amidst ongoing speculation about the future of gaming consoles, Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, has suggested a future where gaming relies less on consoles, despite major players like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo advancing with new hardware. Nintendo is set to unveil details about its highly anticipated Switch 2 during a Nintendo Direct on April 2, where fans eagerly await information on the device's features, release date, and pre-order management.