ASUS Teases Xbox Handheld Device

Gaming hardware giant ASUS has recently teased what appears to be an upcoming Xbox-branded handheld device. The ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) X/Twitter account shared a tantalizing teaser, showcasing its "little robot friend" in the midst of creating something new. The brief glimpse included an ROG Xbox controller and a handheld system, hinting at a collaboration between ASUS and Microsoft.

Last month, IGN reported on Microsoft's ambitious plans for its gaming hardware, which include a next-generation Xbox set for release in 2027 and a potential Xbox-branded handheld launching as early as late 2025. The handheld device in ASUS's teaser clearly features buttons labeled with Xbox's familiar Y, B, A, and X configuration, alongside a D-pad, two thumbsticks, and additional smaller buttons.

Adding to the excitement, the official Xbox account responded to the teaser with a playful wide-eyed gif, suggesting that a big reveal might be on the horizon. While no specific date or launch window has been confirmed, the monitor in the teaser displayed tantalizing phrases such as "Marathon stamina, more capacity, faster speeds" and "fresh look!", giving us a hint about the handheld's potential selling points.

In January, Jason Ronald, Microsoft's VP of 'Next Generation,' shared with The Verge that the company aims to merge 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 direct Microsoft console, rumors suggest that Microsoft is planning to launch its own first-party handheld in the coming years.

Microsoft's gaming chief, Phil Spencer, has hinted that a first-party Xbox handheld is still a few years away. Meanwhile, the successor to the Xbox Series X is reportedly in full production and expected to launch in 2027, aligning with Xbox president Sarah Bond's statement about moving "full speed ahead" on next-generation hardware with the goal of achieving the largest technological leap in a generation.

Amidst these developments, there's ongoing speculation about the future of gaming consoles. Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, recently expressed his belief that future gaming generations may rely less on traditional consoles. However, major players like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo continue to push forward with new hardware. Nintendo's highly anticipated Switch 2 is set to be unveiled in a Nintendo Direct on April 2, with fans eagerly awaiting details on its features, release date, and pre-order information.