Whispers of a potential Xbox handheld have been swirling, and Asus just added fuel to the fire with an intriguing teaser on its X (once known as Twitter) account.
In the clip, an animated robot fine-tunes its software at a terminal. Just as it prepares to upgrade, a mysterious device reminiscent of the ROG Ally X gaming console and ROG Raikiri Pro controller drops into the scene. After the dust settles, the robot transforms into a gaming console that bears a striking resemblance to Asus’ high-end handheld devices.
Things got even more intriguing when the official Xbox account chimed in with a side-eye meme. While nothing is set in stone yet, Microsoft’s playful response might hint at Project Kennan, their ongoing collaboration with Asus. This venture aims to smoothly integrate Xbox and Windows into one seamless platform.
Specific details remain under wraps, but the teaser video gave us a taste of what’s to come: extended battery life, improved performance, larger storage options, and a fresh design for this upcoming handheld.
On March 31, 2025, at 2 pm EST, Asus shared the video, likely hoping to preempt any confusion with the usual April Fool’s antics seen across the tech world. Recall that a few years back, their April 1 revelation of the ROG Ally proved to be genuine, and it looks like this Xbox gadget is no different.
It’s no coincidence that this news drops just before the expected announcement of the much-anticipated Switch 2 at Nintendo Direct on April 2. Asus’ timing seems calculated to capture attention, especially among PC and handheld gaming aficionados. Although it likely won’t peel away die-hard Nintendo fans, it certainly stirred conversations in gaming circles.
While a new main Xbox console isn’t on the horizon until 2027, an Xbox handheld would certainly be a delightful addition. We’re optimistic about the prospect of it running Xbox games directly and not merely acting as a Windows 11 device dressed up with Xbox aesthetics.
