The buzz about a possible Xbox handheld has been intensifying, and Asus just poured fuel on the fire with a teaser on its X account (previously known as Twitter).
In the teaser video, we see a cute animated robot hard at work, upgrading its own software. But just before it’s about to hit that ‘execute’ button, in falls a device resembling an ROG Ally X console along with an ROG Raikiri Pro controller. When the dust settles, the robot mysteriously morphs into something that looks strikingly like the company’s premium portable console.
Adding to the intrigue, the official Xbox account chimed in with a side-eye emoji response. Though nothing’s set in stone yet, Microsoft’s quirky reply might be hinting at Project Kennan — a collaborative handheld gaming console with Asus aimed at merging Xbox and Windows into one seamless platform.
So far, neither Asus nor Xbox has spilled any concrete details. However, the clip gives us a glimpse of what might be in store: enhanced battery life, boosted performance, increased storage, and a refreshed design for this handheld device.
Asus carefully timed the video’s release on March 31, 2025, at 2 p.m. EST, keenly aware of the upcoming April Fool’s frenzy. By avoiding the first of April, they sidestepped any potential confusion with tech companies pulling their usual pranks. Just like with their ROG Ally reveal a couple of years back, this Xbox console seems to be the real deal.
Interestingly, with the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 announcement slated for Nintendo Direct on April 2, Asus appears to be trying to steal some of Nintendo’s thunder. Although details were scarce, the tease likely stirred excitement among enthusiasts of both PC and handheld gaming. That said, it might take more to win over die-hard Nintendo fans.
While we’re not crossing our fingers for a new Xbox console until 2027, the notion of an ‘Xbox handheld’ is certainly enticing. Here’s hoping it plays Xbox games natively, not just functioning as a Windows 11 device with an Xbox-themed interface on top.
