Gaming hardware giant ASUS has given us a tantalizing glimpse into what could be the much-discussed Xbox-branded handheld device. The ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) X/Twitter account teased the community with an image of a "little robot friend cooking something up," revealing a sneak peek of an ROG Xbox controller alongside a mysterious handheld system.

Just last month, IGN broke the news about Microsoft's ambitious plans in the video game hardware space, which include a next-gen Xbox slated for 2027 and an Xbox-branded gaming handheld potentially hitting the market later in 2025. The handheld device teased by ASUS sports buttons clearly labeled with Xbox's familiar Y, B, A, and X layout, distinguishing it from PlayStation's and Nintendo's configurations. Additionally, the device appears to feature a D-pad, two thumbsticks, and four smaller buttons, though these are somewhat obscured in the teaser.

Adding fuel to the speculation, the official Xbox account cheekily acknowledged ASUS's tweet with a wide-eyed gif, hinting at an upcoming reveal.

pic.twitter.com/ONZpeEmNka

— Xbox (@Xbox) March 31, 2025

While the teaser doesn't provide a specific reveal date or launch window, the monitor in the image boasts "Marathon stamina, more capacity, faster speeds" and "fresh look!" These slogans suggest potential key features of the handheld, promising endurance, enhanced storage, superior performance, and a new aesthetic.

In January, Jason Ronald, Microsoft's VP of 'Next Generation,' shared with The Verge that the company aims to merge Xbox and Windows experiences for PC gaming handhelds produced by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like ASUS, Lenovo, and Razer.

Though this Xbox-branded gaming handheld isn't a Microsoft-made console, Microsoft is reportedly gearing up to release its own first-party handheld in the future. Phil Spencer, Microsoft's gaming boss, has hinted that a Microsoft-developed handheld is still years away. Meanwhile, the next-gen Xbox Series X successor is reportedly in full production and expected to launch in 2027, aligning with Xbox president Sarah Bond's recent statement that Microsoft is "moving full speed ahead on our next generation hardware," aiming for a significant technological leap.

The future of gaming consoles remains a hot topic, with Netflix's President of Games, Alain Tascan, predicting a shift away from traditional consoles in future generations, despite ongoing efforts by major players like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo. Nintendo's eagerly awaited Switch 2 is set to be showcased in a Nintendo Direct on April 2, where fans are eager to learn about its features, release date, and pre-order details.