Lately, the buzz surrounding a potential Xbox handheld has taken a new turn, especially after Asus dropped an intriguing teaser on its social media platform. In a cleverly animated video, a robot is shown fine-tuning some upgrades on a terminal. Just as it’s about to hit “go,” a device resembling both an ROG Ally X gaming console and an ROG Raikiri Pro controller makes an unexpected entrance. Once everything clears, the robot intriguingly transforms into a gaming console that bears a striking resemblance to Asus’s current high-end handheld.
Adding to the drama, the official Xbox account couldn’t resist jumping into the conversation, replying with the famous side-eye meme. While there’s still nothing officially unveiled, this playful interaction could very well hint at Project Kennan — a speculative collaboration with Asus aimed at merging Xbox and Windows into a unified platform.
Although both companies are keeping specifics under wraps, the teaser did give us some exciting clues about what the Xbox handheld might offer. Expect enhancements like extended battery life, improved performance, and expanded storage, all wrapped in a fresh new design.
Asus strategically posted this video on March 31, 2025, at 2 PM EST, perhaps to pre-empt any confusion with April Fool’s jokes that typically flood the tech scene. Recalling their surprise reveal of the ROG Ally on April 1 a few years back, this new tease seems to be genuinely promising.
There’s also another layer to consider: Nintendo plans to unveil the long-awaited Switch 2 during their Direct presentation on April 2. Asus’s timely reveal could be a strategic move to capture some of the spotlight, gaining the attention of both PC gamers and fans of handheld devices. Yet, it might not be enough to divert the die-hard Nintendo followers.
While we’re not forecasting a new Xbox console until possibly 2027, the thought of an Xbox handheld is certainly captivating. We’re crossing our fingers that it isn’t just a Windows 11 gadget in Xbox attire but rather a device capable of running Xbox games smoothly and natively.
