The buzz about an Xbox handheld has been steadily growing, and Asus has just added fuel to the fire with an intriguing teaser posted on its X account, previously known as Twitter.
The teaser kicks off with a robotic character enhancing its own capabilities on a computer. Just as it starts executing the upgrades, a couple of gaming devices — reminiscent of the ROG Ally X console and an ROG Raikiri Pro controller — crash into the scene, transforming the robot into a handheld gaming console that looks vaguely like Asus’s top-tier offerings.
What really caught everyone’s attention was a playful reply from the official Xbox account, using the well-known side-eye meme. Though no formal announcement has been made, Microsoft’s cheeky response hints at the much-discussed Project Kennan. This project is supposedly a collaboration between Xbox and Asus, aiming to merge Xbox and Windows into a unified gaming experience.
Neither Asus nor Xbox has provided explicit details yet, but the teaser offers glimpses of what this prospective Xbox handheld might offer. Anticipated improvements include extended battery life, enhanced performance, increased storage, and a refreshed design.
Asus strategically released the video on March 31, 2025, at 2 PM EST, likely to preempt any confusion with April Fool’s jokes, which are quite popular among tech firms. Interestingly, considering their April 1 launch of the ROG Ally a couple of years earlier, it seems this Xbox console tease is indeed genuine.
Amidst all this, it’s worth mentioning that the eagerly awaited Switch 2 is set to be unveiled at the Nintendo Direct happening on April 2. With Asus’s timing, it appears they might be trying to divert some of the spotlight from Nintendo. Although light on specifics, this teaser has no doubt stirred excitement amongst PC and handheld gaming aficionados — though true-blue Nintendo fans may remain steadfast in their loyalty.
Even though a new Xbox console isn’t projected until 2027, the potential launch of an Xbox handheld is an exciting prospect. One can only hope it will support Xbox games directly, rather than simply being a Windows 11 device sporting an Xbox-like appearance.
