Photos of a new Xbox-branded handheld device, reportedly developed by ASUS and codenamed Project Kennan, have surfaced online — and they’re sparking plenty of buzz across the gaming community.
A Glimpse at ASUS’ Next ROG Ally Evolution
First reported by 91mobiles and picked up by Eurogamer, two leaked images reveal what appears to be the next iteration of the ASUS ROG Ally. The handheld, showcased in both black and white variants, seems to bear clear Xbox influences — right down to the iconic A, B, X, Y button layout familiar to Xbox fans.
The black version is especially noteworthy. It features a button in the traditional Xbox home button position, situated left of the thumbstick — though the familiar “X” logo is missing. This strongly hints at an official collaboration with Microsoft, even if the device itself isn’t a first-party console.
Official Testing Underway?
While ASUS has not confirmed full details yet, Windows Central’s Jez Corden reports that these handhelds are actively being tested at Microsoft’s headquarters. Corden also suggests that a full reveal may be just around the corner — potentially arriving around May 20.
Adding to the speculation, ASUS' Republic of Gamers Twitter/X account recently teased an upcoming Xbox-style handheld and controller. Xbox’s official account cheekily acknowledged the teaser with a wide-eyed gif, further fueling anticipation for an imminent announcement.
Not Microsoft's Handheld… But Something Bigger Is Coming
Despite the heavy Xbox branding, this new device is not Microsoft’s long-rumored first-party handheld. According to past IGN reports, Microsoft is indeed developing its own dedicated portable Xbox console, slated for release alongside its next-generation Xbox in 2027.
Xbox boss Phil Spencer has previously confirmed that a true first-party handheld is still years away, aligning with Xbox President Sarah Bond’s comments about Microsoft’s next-gen hardware making “the biggest technological leap ever in a generation.” The successor to the Xbox Series X is reportedly already in production and is expected to launch within the next two years.
Handheld Competition Heats Up
ASUS’ Project Kennan enters a rapidly growing space of handheld gaming PCs, currently populated by devices like the Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go, and ASUS’ own ROG Ally. With Nintendo’s expected Switch 2 and Microsoft aiming to bring the Windows handheld experience closer to console-level Xbox standards, ASUS appears to be staking an early claim with this co-branded project.
Though hardware specs remain unknown for now, more information may emerge soon — especially if the May 20 reveal window holds true.
Final Thoughts
While we await official confirmation, Project Kennan already looks like a compelling bridge between Xbox console gaming and PC handheld flexibility. If the device delivers solid performance with true Xbox integration, it could become a game-changer for on-the-go gamers in 2025.
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