Whispers of a potential Xbox handheld console are gaining traction, especially after Asus decided to stir the pot with a teaser on its social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The teaser features an animated sequence where a robot is seen updating itself using a terminal. Just as it’s about to make a significant change, a gadget resembling an ROG Ally X gaming console alongside an ROG Raikiri Pro controller makes an entrance. The twist? This transforms the robot into something that closely resembles today’s high-end handheld devices by the company.
What’s stirring the pot even more is Xbox’s cheeky reply on the same thread with a side-eye emoji. While there’s no official word yet, Microsoft’s reaction seems to nod towards Project Kennan—a collaborative endeavor between Microsoft and Asus aimed at merging Xbox and Windows into a seamless platform. Details remain sparse at this point, but the teaser hints at some enticing features for the Xbox handheld: enhanced battery life, superior performance, increased storage, and a sleek new design.
Asus strategically dropped this video on March 31, 2025, at 2 pm EST, likely to avoid being mistaken for an April Fool’s prank—a tactic reminiscent of their ROG Ally reveal from a few years back. If history is any guide, it suggests this teaser isn’t something to brush off lightly.
Coincidentally, there’s buzz around Nintendo possibly revealing the much-awaited Switch 2 during their Nintendo Direct event on April 2. Asus’s move could very well be an attempt to capture some of that spotlight, igniting interest among both PC and handheld gaming fans. Although it might not sway die-hard Nintendo fans, it surely makes waves in the gaming community.
While a new Xbox console might be years away, possibly around 2027, the emergence of an ‘Xbox handheld’ is a thrilling proposition. The hope is that this device will not just run Xbox titles smoothly but also offer more than just a Windows 11 experience dressed with an Xbox theme.