Whispers of an Xbox handheld have been circulating for a while, and Asus just added fuel to the fire with a tantalizing teaser on its X platform, which used to be known as Twitter.
In this intriguing video, we see an animated robot working on a terminal to upgrade itself. Right before the update is applied, a mysterious device resembling an ROG Ally X gaming console and an ROG Raikiri Pro controller drops into the scene. Once the dust clears, the robot transforms into a gaming console, channeling the design of Asus’s cutting-edge handheld.
Adding more intrigue to the mix, the official Xbox account chimed in with a cheeky side-eye meme. Although nothing has been confirmed officially, this response from Microsoft likely alludes to Project Kennan — a collaboration with Asus to forge a gaming handheld that merges Xbox and Windows into a unified platform.
While both companies remain tight-lipped about the specifics, the video hints at some exciting features for this Xbox handheld. We might be looking at an extended battery life, enhanced performance, more storage, and a sleek new design — all tantalizing prospects for the handheld gaming scene.
Asus shared this video on March 31, 2025, at 2 PM EST, strategically avoiding the peril of it being dismissed as an April Fool’s hoax, especially with other tech firms getting in on the joke-telling spree. Yet, much like the April 1 unveiling of the ROG Ally a couple of years ago, this Xbox console seems to be the real deal.
It’s also worth mentioning that the eagerly awaited Switch 2 is expected to be revealed during Nintendo Direct on April 2. Asus’s move could be an attempt to capture some of the spotlight, and even with limited details available, it’s likely sparked the interest of PC and handheld gaming fans alike. Die-hard Nintendo fans, however, might remain unperturbed.
While a new Xbox console isn’t anticipated until 2027, the prospect of an ‘Xbox handheld’ is certainly welcomed. Gamers are hopeful it will run Xbox games natively rather than being a Windows 11 device with an Xbox veneer.
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