Gaming hardware giant ASUS has tantalizingly teased what could be the much-rumored Xbox-branded handheld device.
The ASUS Republic of Gamers X/Twitter account posted an intriguing teaser featuring its "little robot friend cooking something up," giving us a fleeting glimpse of both a Republic of Gamers (ROG) Xbox controller and a handheld system.
This follows last month's IGN report on Microsoft's video game hardware ambitions, which reportedly include a next-gen Xbox set for release in 2027 and an Xbox-branded gaming handheld potentially launching later in 2025.
The handheld device teased by ASUS clearly displays buttons typical of an Xbox layout (Y, B, A, and X, as opposed to PlayStation's triangle, circle, cross, and square, or Nintendo's X, A, B, and Y). It also features a D-pad, two thumbsticks, and four smaller additional buttons, though these are somewhat obscured 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 specifics like a reveal date or launch window remain under wraps, the monitor in the teaser tantalizingly promises "Marathon stamina, more capacity, faster speeds" and a "fresh look!" suggesting the handheld's standout features.
In January, Jason Ronald, Microsoft’s VP of ‘Next Generation,’ told The Verge that the company aims to merge Xbox and Windows experiences for PC gaming handhelds developed by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), including ASUS, Lenovo, and Razer.
### Xbox Games Series Tier ListXbox Games Series Tier List
Although this Xbox-branded gaming handheld isn't a Microsoft-made console, rumors suggest that the company is gearing up to launch its own in 2027, coinciding with the anticipated release of its next-gen Xbox. Microsoft gaming boss Phil Spencer has hinted that a first-party Xbox handheld is still years away.
The successor to the Xbox Series X is reportedly "fully" in production and slated for a release in two years, aligning with Xbox president Sarah Bond's recent statement that Microsoft was "moving full speed ahead on our next generation hardware, with a focus on delivering the largest technological leap in gaming history.
Amidst ongoing speculation about the future of gaming consoles, Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, recently suggested that the next generation might move away from traditional gaming consoles. However, major players like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo continue to forge ahead with new hardware. Nintendo's eagerly awaited Switch 2 will be unveiled in a Nintendo Direct on April 2, where fans anticipate learning more about what features the Switch 2 brings to the table, its release date, and how pre-orders will be managed.
