<time datetime="2025-04-01T08:56:58.176Z" class="article-timestampstime_KUAGt”>Published 09:56 1 Apr 2025 GMT+1
<h2 class="summarysummaryqVAA”>Arriving later this year
Exciting developments are on the horizon for Xbox enthusiasts, as recent trailers suggest the imminent launch of a new handheld console later this year. For years, whispers of Microsoft’s foray into the handheld market have circulated, leaving potential fans in a state of hopeful anticipation.
Can it compete with the PlayStation Portal? Check it out in the trailer below!
Earlier this year, speculation intensified when reports surfaced about Microsoft collaborating with a third-party company to unveil an Xbox-branded handheld device. The term “branded” is significant here, indicating that this will not be a fully in-house creation akin to the Nintendo Switch, but rather a product developed in partnership with another entity. This may serve as a temporary solution while Microsoft works on its own dedicated unit.
Recent buzz has reignited interest in this collaboration, particularly following a trailer released by ASUS. The footage showcases the next-generation ASUS ROG Ally gaming handheld, and observant fans will spot subtle hints of Xbox branding woven throughout the visuals. Notably, at one point in the trailer, a ROG Ally and an Xbox-style controller converge to enter a mysterious machine, suggesting an intriguing fusion of technologies.
It doesn’t take a keen observer to deduce that ASUS is the third-party partner Microsoft has chosen for this venture. Further confirmation came when the official Xbox Twitter account responded to ASUS’s teaser trailer with a playful side-eye monkey meme. While this may not constitute formal confirmation, in today’s digital landscape, it carries significant weight.
As of now, an official release date for the ASUS x Xbox collaboration remains under wraps, but the excitement among fans is palpable as they eagerly await the debut of the first Xbox-inspired handheld. The pressing question remains: will it possess the capabilities to stand shoulder to shoulder with established competitors like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch? Only time will tell.
<cite class="image-creditimageCredit_YMlqS”>Featured Image Credit: Microsoft
