It looks like ASUS has given us our first tease of the 2025 Xbox handheld! A social media post has gone live today with a short video which includes an ASUS ROG Ally-style device alongside an Xbox controller.
You can see the clip down below - along with Xbox's response to it:
There's no official confirmation about an Xbox handheld yet, but it's been rumoured on numerous occasions that we'll be getting a branded ASUS device this year, with a proper first-party handheld to follow around 2027.
We'll obviously be tracking this story closely over the coming days and/or weeks, and here's hoping we get an official name and release date very soon! Perhaps they'll wait until after the Switch 2 reveal on Wednesday though...
Excited for the Xbox handheld? Let us know down in the comments section below.
Comments 58
I would love a way to consolidate my PC and Xbox library. Is it silly to expect the Xbox handheld to play both libraries?
If it's any good, I'll give my current ROG Ally to my stepson, and I'll get this new one.
Anyone else expecting this is going to be "just" an Xbox branded Ally?
@Benjamin if the reports about next gen Xbox are true, not silly at all. I wouldn't be suprisied if on the NG Xbox, and it's reported handheld version, Xbox "mode" is just an app.
I bought the Original RoG Ally and found it incredibly 'uncomfortable' to use - partly because it's so thin and 'small' for my big hands. The Thumbsticks seem short/small - it feels like its maybe 50-70% of the size of the standard size and that includes the buttons, D-Pad, triggers/bumpers so closer together and smaller which I find a bit cramped.
I'd want an Xbox Controller (preferably Elite Style with similar customisable Thumbsticks, trigger controls, paddles etc) with the Asus Screen and PC functionality built in to that. Yes it maybe a lot thicker - as thick as a Regular controller - but also as comfortable as a regular controller.
By also going 'thicker', they can have a bit more space inside to aid cooling and air flow, bigger battery etc. Maybe even a dock with an Expansion card slot to play Xbox games you already have downloaded/installed.
I doubt they'll go that route though - although I do expect it to be an improvement over the OG RoG Ally. I don't know if they will have an option to play your 'Xbox' games or will only play PC versions (Play Anywhere/Direct Storage versions) as it might not be able to play the 'Series X' version with its high resolution settings.
Still I'm interested to see what the next gen of Handheld PC's offer and maybe the new Asus will address the issues I have with these.
Not sure how well this is going to do.
But it won’t sell 32 million like the series consoles.
Which my point, with some advertising and thought and PR that 32 million could have been about 45 million by now especially with all the studios and exclusives they can have and lets not forget the more game pass sales with the Xbox console high attach rate.
Instead they are probably investing millions in this device and potentially another handheld in 2027, which won’t sell that well.
Should have focused on series consoles and appreciated and focused and respected what they have and got the advertising and PR correct.
Only if it can natively play Xbox 360 titles.
@OldGamer999 they’re probably not expecting it too outsell the series x/s, it’s a sub device anyway like the ps portal
you know what, if you want to be pessimistic, it’s okay, sometimes you feel like companies should listen to the customers more
Sorely needed prototype for MS. Steam OS is so much more efficient. Here's hoping that they can create a better OS to streamline my current ROG Ally
@donv2135
I get it, but they have a great product in the series x that is already designed in production etc. a bit of love for that wouldn’t hurt them.
Also considering it’s GP attached rate as well.
Price is going to make or break it. Last rumours I saw had it at $499
@abe_hikura I don't even expect it to be that. I expect this to be an ASUS device that Microsoft helps market and maybe has an Xbox guide button. Having read all the rumors and leaks, it sounds more like a moment than an Xbox branded anything. It really sounds like Microsoft is just trying to improve Windows for gaming and to do so they're working closely with this OEM on said OEMs next handheld. Most likely the bulk of the Xbox side of things will just be on the software and even more likely the next ASUS device is just an ad for it and there will be a windows update later to let everyone experience it. Like with all the AI junk with copilot plus PCs and them having first uses certain partner OEMs to show off. I really wouldn't be surprised if this is just the ROG Ally 2 and windows just feels more like an Xbox experience to compete with SteamOS.
@OldGamer999 If this sells one million units it'd be considered a success. This is still a handheld gaming PC from Asus, NOT a new Xbox console from Microsoft.
There's such a confusion surrounding this because all we have are leaks and the leaks got shared around in a game of telephone. So this is still just an OEM. The amount of Xbox branding and marketing involved is unknown, but what is known is that this is a Microsoft Windows OEM. All the reports really say is that Microsoft is working closely with ASUS to improve the gaming experience on a handheld and this may be the next iteration of the ROG Ally or might be an Xbox branded spin off device. Regardless, this will be a device that is manufactured, distributed, and sold by ASUS. The biggest stake Microsoft will have is having sold ASUS the Windows license. It'll still be a PC gaming machine in a niche market (like the Steam Deck has sold a few million IIRC and it's the most ) and it'll still be primarily ASUS that benefits from and cares about sales.
I really think this is mostly just about competition for SteamOS and keeping windows as the dominant gaming OS in PC. The biggest pain point of gaming handhelds over and over again is windows. Now valve is releasing SteamOS to all and selling SteamOS licenses to manufacturers, potentially cutting into windows' dominance in a way no one has before. Anyway Xbox's most influence will be on the software end.
@WildConcept6 yup. They really need to make windows a more efficient OS for handheld gaming, steam OS seems to get better battery life out of the same products
I wonder what the weight of this handheld is. The original Rog ally is remarkably lightweight but still feels nice. Hopefully this one has a better battery though.
I really could use a handheld but I'm definitely holding out for the official one from Xbox. It will 100% need to have the ability to play games locally and offline... with a push of a button for the offline hopefully instead of the PC tweaking and twerking required. I am a simpleton... make it easy peasy or you ain't getting my cash.
see guys? this is a competitor to the switch - a handheld console, not a home console.
Power, Battery, Price.
Pick two.
@OldGamer999 I think licensing to 3rd party manufacturers is the way with hardware. Just make full xbox mode on windows and call it a day.
I am more and more convinced thats what they will end up with long term.
If This rog ally xbox will sells 1M it be a W already
Already put my 512gb steamdeck up for sale in anticipation of this. My steamdeck is basically an xbox streaming device, but not a very good one.
Make it native and remove all the customization and im sold. Just hope its less that $699. Not sure how id feel paying over that for what will be a streaming box like my portal.
I must say, Xbox hired some funny folks for their marketing, they always have funny memes and responses for things 😂
Anyway, i’m more interested to see what their own handheld (2027) will be. This one doesnt really interest me, but will pay attention to official announcements to learn more
@OldGamer999 Agree with you there. Exclusives sell consoles. If they don’t go back to exclusivity next gen, i’m wondering what would even be the point in releasing new hardware. I’d like to see them start strong with a fresh exclusive games line up next gen. At least, for me, that would certainly pique my interest
Normally that meme makes me laugh but here it just annoys me. We still have no idea what plans Xbox has, everything is a rumor, and nothing is confirmed.
I'm worried they're walking into another ABK sized minefield.
@LogicStrikesAgain Of course they wont. There is not a single reason or even hope at this point. They made it clear - consoles dont matter anymore. They still do it to milk current player base but going forward they will trade this to revenues from other platforms.
I would be very cautious buying a 600-800 xbox console next gen. I personally believe its an unnecessary risk and basically no point when you can buy for the same price a well more stable and supported piece of hardware.
GP is still a reason…for now. Pretty sure good half of praise will end after another price hike and closure of stacking/conversions loopholes.
This is going to sell in the triple digits.
@Millionski Yeah, you’re probably right of course. I’m just wishful thinking, and just can’t see how their next console could succeed otherwise at this point
Even tho I’ll be pre ordering the Switch 2 I wouldn’t be above picking up an Xbox handheld as well as long as it checks the right boxes
Can't wait to see what they re cooking!
@Benjamin I don't thing this one will but next gen consoles must likely will have the hardware power to do both.
@OldGamer999
MS is trying to convert Xbox users to PC Gamers, mark my words.
Then they'll try and convert those Steam PC Gamers to MS Store/PC Game Pass users.
They are trying to dump (not correct) their 3rd-place position in the console market.
You can put any branding you like on a ROG ally, I didn't want it before and still don't.
For a company that's biggest current problem is it's mixed messaging, I don't see this as doing anything except continuing that issue.
Why can't they hold an event and explain their real vision for the future and give us timelines and strategies we can buy into?
They seem determined to dilute the brand so much that it barely exists. I miss that bold and brassy Xbox
Of course, given the date it could just be a particularly poor Aprils fool...
That looks lush, but I'll be holding out for the main 2027 one - and I cant wait to hear more about it. I suspect we hear things this summer, or next at the latest. Exciting times!
With the switch 2 properly being shown off tomorrow, I doubt many people will be interested in this 🤷🏻♂️.
This thing is gonna cost more than a Series X.
@Residentsteven Completely different audiences.
@Titntin
Good idea and yes I totally miss the balls that Xbox used to have and the fight and spirit.
OldGamer999 wrote:
It won't. A Feb 2025 study showed the premium handheld PC market is only about 6 million units. 4 million for Steam Deck and 2 million split between the others including Asus (Note: this doesn't include the smaller / cheaper Chinese handhelds usually used for emulation).
The Xbox branding and connection could bring it to a new audience, PC Game Pass on the Go, but it's still a relatively small niche.
@Kaloudz They are targeting different demographics.
This is a handheld PC primarily aimed at PC gamers who maybe have Game Pass.
The 2027 model will be a handheld Xbox.
@themightyant That's the one I'll be grabbing, the 2027 one. If the price is right of course. You plan on getting one? If the price and specs are right?
@Kaloudz Absolutely depends on price, specs etc. But probably not. I do most of my gaming at home and have a man cave / gaming room so I always have the TV. I just don't use a handheld that much.
I do have a Steam Deck that is brilliant, but I mostly use it for playing in bed and can stream or cloud Xbox and stream PS5 on it.
But if the specs, price, dream and vision are all right... maybe.
@themightyant I need me a man cave. I only game at home too but for me itd be nice to game whilst sitting with the Mrs.
For me, the price needs to be right and the specs need to at least match the S. I'd also want native play in some form for at least 360 and One games.
I do wonder, and I was speaking about this with someone else here, as to whether they will use that smart storage or whatever it is they use for S/X in addition to standard storage - so we can fast swap games between the storage units.
If not, I'd expect some way to plug in my HDD so I can swiftly move games to and from. But that's just what I'd like to see at base level.
@Kaloudz Expandable storage is tough nut to crack, i'm interested to see how the Switch 2 does it.
XSX and PS5 use very fast NVME storage that requires around 3000MB/s - 5500MB/s whereas the fastest Micro SD cards have a theoretical max of around 312MB/s, but in reality it's MUCH slower. So these likely aren't an option for NEW games, but they may be able to use them for older games (X360/XBO)
The proprietary XSX expansion card isn't a good form factor for a handheld, it's far too big and can't elegantly attach to the device easily. So I don't think that will be used. For the 2027 model i'd possibly expect some sort of dock that can link the handheld to the Xbox 2027 though it's possible they would just deal with it all via Wi-Fi or some other local wireless connection instead.
@themightyant You can use a Steamdeck for all of those things?! Does that mean having to subscribe to GPU and Sony's highest tier to play your owned libraries on both ecosystems?
If this has the same type of game subscription cost that we know the uk initially had for the series consoles (gamepass and the console for a monthly cost) - I could be really interested in this.
I think Valve are laughing with the steam deck - they’ve sold steam users the handheld and now they are very likely selling more software and dlc (etc) to those same people . Hard ware and then the real money maker being software. I would assume Microsoft want the same
@16BitHero Yes. You don't need GP Ult. or PS+ Premium (or any Game Pass or PS+) to stream games directly from your console (local streaming) you can set it up so your Steam Deck turns these consoles on and accesses them on your Wi-Fi network
As for cloud streaming you have to have the right tier that allows that for (GP Ult. and PS+ Premium) to play cloud games on your account. For Xbox Cloud this works fine on the Steam Deck, PS Cloud did work but they recently disabled it, probably to push people to get the Portal.
@themightyant wow, the local console streaming over Wi-Fi is a great feature - not sure how I overlooked this. Maybe a handheld is in my future after all. Thanks for the info!
If you have a phone or tablet and an Xbox/PS5 Controller you can do this without needing any additional hardware through the Xbox/PS5 App. Though I think a phone screen is a bit small at arms length and even a normal sized tablet is too small, at table distance it can make it hard to read text. But it 's worth a try and ok in some games.
I used to use a phone clip similar to this to attach my phone to my Xbox controller, you can double tap the Xbox controller pair button to easily switch between Bluetooth mode (for phone) and XBox mode (for console) if you only have one controller so you don't have to repair every time.
I then got a Backbone (phone controller attachment) which was better and now I use a Steam Deck. It's not perfect, the buttons are in slightly different places and the screen is still too small to read text in some games (they were designed for TV use) but it does for playing most games in bed.
Good luck.
@themightyant Yeah that's what has me confused about the handheld and it's probably the only thing I am curious about the most. The storage and how it works, because, unless I am mistaken, it's imposable for S/X games to run on normal hard drives? So, if that's the case, they're either going to have to have come up with a compromise or some new tech workaround, or we're gunna need them storage units built in. Like you say, they're hardly small lol. Or at least not small for handheld.
@Coletrain it’s why I like the steamdeck. The OS just works. No fiddling ( I have fiddled and got things working outside of it obviously) but I really don’t want a windows OS experience on a handheld and if it doesn’t actually allow installable Xbox games I’m failing to see the point really. Integration would be key for many.
@Stocksy I'm ok with the fiddling (pardon the phrase) on my ROG Ally, it's not too cumbersome, plus I use it as my home PC. But what I hate is that the OS draws additional power for bloatware because it's for more than gaming.
I suppose my ideal fix would be a dual boot option where I log in to a MS gaming OS when I want to do that, and windows when I just want a PC
@Coletrain that’s exactly what it should be. It should boot into a Xbox style OS with the ability to just click install on compatible games. Plus apps for Steam etc in the Xbox OS or at least ability to have installed games appear. Then a button to get to windows.
Genuinely think whilst some of us can fiddle and want to most will want to be able to have a Xbox experience which is boot install and play.
It’s why the steam deck have been so popular it’s so so easy to use
@Stocksy agreed. If it isn't that then it's just not going to be mainstream. I'd still like to be able to tinker personally, but also have an "optimise game" button so that I don't have to for everything.
Exciting prospect, really hope they nail it
@Coletrain that’s the keep. Simple interface that makes it look like a console but allow for tinkering.
I hope they nail it but I think it’s an Xbox skin on a slightly better device than we can already buy
@themightyant good to know. I've been resistant to small screens for a long time but now see the life circumstances that make it useful to people of all ages! Good to have a few different options too. Thanks again for the info.
@Benjamin No telling if and when MS gets the Xbox OS or the compatibility thereof in Windows. No telling if all games existing would be compatible. We don't even have Steam integrated into the Windows Xbox app yet.
@Residentsteven People will be interested in this once the Switch 2 is announced, and it still weaker than the Steam Deck.
@Benjamin You're PC would do that better than a handheld would.
@sp00nard I don’t have a pc!
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