Gaming hardware giant ASUS has recently teased what could be the much-anticipated Xbox-branded handheld device. The ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) X/Twitter account released a teaser featuring a "little robot friend" working on a new project, providing a sneak peek at an ROG Xbox controller and a corresponding handheld system.

Last month, IGN shed light on Microsoft's ambitious plans for gaming hardware, including a next-generation Xbox set for release in 2027 and a rumored Xbox-branded handheld slated for a possible launch in late 2025. The teaser from ASUS clearly displays Xbox-specific buttons (Y, B, A, and X), a D-pad, two thumbsticks, and four additional buttons, though the latter are somewhat obscured.

Adding fuel to the speculation, the official Xbox account responded to ASUS's teaser with a playful wide-eyed gif, hinting at an upcoming reveal. While no specific date or launch window has been announced, the monitor in the teaser boasts "Marathon stamina, more capacity, faster speeds" and a "fresh look!" suggesting the key selling points of the new handheld.

In January, Jason Ronald, Microsoft’s VP of ‘Next Generation,’ spoke to The Verge about Microsoft's strategy to blend Xbox and Windows experiences for PC gaming handhelds produced by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as ASUS, Lenovo, and Razer.

While the Xbox-branded handheld won't be a Microsoft-made console, the company is reportedly planning to launch its own in 2027, coinciding with the release of the next-gen Xbox. Microsoft gaming boss Phil Spencer has hinted that a first-party Xbox handheld is still years away. The successor to the Xbox Series X is now reportedly in full production, expected to launch in two years, aligning with Xbox president Sarah Bond's assertion that Microsoft is "moving full speed ahead on our next generation hardware," aiming for a significant technological leap.

Amidst the ongoing speculation about the future of gaming consoles, Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, has predicted a shift away from traditional consoles in future generations, despite major players like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo continuing to develop new hardware. Nintendo's eagerly awaited Switch 2 is set to be showcased in a Nintendo Direct on April 2, where fans hope to learn more about its features, release date, and pre-order details.