Gaming hardware giant ASUS has recently teased what could be a highly anticipated Xbox-branded handheld device. The ASUS Republic of Gamers X/Twitter account shared an intriguing teaser featuring its "little robot friend cooking something up," which briefly showcased both a Republic of Gamers (ROG) Xbox controller and a handheld system.
This comes on the heels of last month's IGN report about Microsoft’s ambitious plans for video game hardware, which reportedly include a next-gen Xbox slated for 2027 and an Xbox-branded handheld potentially launching in 2025. The teaser from ASUS offers a clear view of the handheld's buttons, configured in the Xbox style with Y, B, A, and X, accompanied by a D-pad, two thumbsticks, and four smaller additional buttons, though these are somewhat obscured.
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
While details are sparse, the monitor in the teaser promises "Marathon stamina, more capacity, faster speeds" and a "fresh look!" suggesting the handheld's key features.
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 developed by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like ASUS, Lenovo, and Razer.
Although this Xbox-branded handheld is not a Microsoft-made console, the company is reportedly gearing up to launch its own in 2027, alongside its next-gen Xbox. Microsoft gaming boss Phil Spencer has hinted that a first-party Xbox handheld is still years away. Additionally, the successor to the Xbox Series X is reportedly in full production and set to release in two years, aligning with Xbox president Sarah Bond's recent statement about moving "full speed ahead on our next generation hardware" to deliver a significant technological leap.
The future of gaming consoles remains a hot topic, with Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, predicting a future generation that may rely less on traditional consoles. Meanwhile, major players like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo continue to innovate. Nintendo's eagerly awaited Switch 2 will be unveiled in a Nintendo Direct on April 2, where fans expect to learn about its features, release date, and pre-order details.
