Is it the rumoured Xbox handheld? Or a new ROG Ally variant?
It looks like ASUS and Microsoft are openly teasing a collaboration for a new handheld Xbox device. ASUS ROG posted a video teaser about this on X (formerly Twitter):
In the teaser, the ASUS mascot Omni was seen tinkering in the ROG designed lab. During its experiment, the ground shook, and an Xbox controller and an ROG Ally handheld device flew toward the pod where the robot was. Once the experiment was finished, a mysterious device lit up with the robot’s face – but curiously, it looks like the silhouette of a new handheld device.
If that’s not enough evidence for the collaboration, XBOX replied to the post as well with a gif meme:
What is the video clip teasing?
Despite the mystery, the silhouette bears a striking resemblance to the ROG Ally rather than the rumoured Xbox hybrid. The teaser highlights four key upgrades: “Marathon stamina, more capacity, faster speed, and fresh look.” This suggests a potential ROG Ally X refresh, possibly with Xbox branding, a larger battery, increased storage, an upgraded processor (likely the Ryzen Z2 Extreme), and a new colourway.
Rumours about the new handheld swirled in early March this year, bearing the name Project Kennan, which is an OEM-built PC gaming handheld, much like the ASUS ROG Ally or Lenovo Legion Go. It’s slated for launch later this year, provided everything stays on track. Microsoft is working closely with OEMs to make Windows more accommodating for devices like this, with significant efforts going into development on the Xbox app, Xbox services platform, and Xbox Game Bar.
The teaser doesn’t reveal a launch date, nor does it confirm the exact nature of the device. While some may suspect an April Fool’s stunt at play here, there’s little indication of a joke. For now, fans will have to wait and see what ASUS and Microsoft have in store.
