ASUS Teases Xbox-Branded Handheld

Gaming hardware giant ASUS has recently teased what could potentially be the much-discussed Xbox-branded handheld device. The ASUS Republic of Gamers X/Twitter account shared a tantalizing glimpse of its "little robot friend cooking something up," revealing both a Republic of Gamers (ROG) Xbox controller and a handheld system.

Last month, IGN shed light on Microsoft's ambitious plans in the gaming hardware arena, which include a next-gen Xbox slated for 2027 and an Xbox-branded gaming handheld that might hit the market later in 2025.

The teaser from ASUS provides more than just a hint; it showcases buttons clearly configured for Xbox, using the familiar Y, B, A, and X layout instead of PlayStation's triangle, circle, cross, and square, or Nintendo's X, A, B, and Y. The device 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 upcoming reveal.

pic.twitter.com/ONZpeEmNka

— Xbox (@Xbox) March 31, 2025

While details on a release date or launch window are still under wraps, the monitor in the teaser gives us a peek at the handheld's potential features, boasting "Marathon stamina, more capacity, faster speeds" and a "fresh look!" These hints suggest what the unique selling points of the device could be.

In January, Jason Ronald, Microsoft's VP of 'Next Generation,' revealed to The Verge that Microsoft 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 gaming handheld isn't a Microsoft-made console, the company is reportedly set to launch its own in 2027, potentially alongside its next-gen Xbox. Phil Spencer, Microsoft's gaming boss, has hinted that a first-party Xbox handheld is still years away.

Meanwhile, the successor to the Xbox Series X is reportedly in full production and expected to be released in two years. This aligns with Xbox president Sarah Bond's assertion that Microsoft is "moving full speed ahead on our next generation hardware," aiming for the most significant technological leap in a generation.

The future of consoles continues to be a hot topic, with Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, predicting a shift away from traditional gaming consoles, despite ongoing developments from major players like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo. Nintendo's eagerly awaited Switch 2 is set to be unveiled in a Nintendo Direct on April 2, where fans hope to learn more about its features, release date, and pre-order details.