April 1st 2025.
It appears that the rumors about an Xbox portable console made by a third party company were indeed true. Asus recently released a teaser trailer that has caught the attention of many, hinting at a collaboration with Microsoft for a new gaming device.
For a long time now, Microsoft has been discussing the idea of a handheld console, but their plans have always been shrouded in mystery. However, a recent rumor suggests that they have two devices in the works - one being a next generation console and the other being a partnership with a third party, set to release this year.
The identity of this third party has been a topic of speculation, with possible candidates including Lenovo, MSI, Razer, and Asus. And now, it seems that Microsoft has chosen to work with Asus, as confirmed by their new teaser trailer. The video shows the existing Asus ROG Ally and an Xbox controller being merged together, giving the impression of a new hardware device.
Although the console itself is not fully revealed, the implications are clear. This was further solidified when Xbox replied to Asus' tweet with the side-eye monkey meme. Without the previous rumor, this all may have seemed confusing, but now it is evident that a 2025 release is likely.
The Xbox portable is allegedly codenamed Project Kennan, but it is uncertain how much it will differ from the existing ROG Ally. It may just be a variation of the upcoming ROG Ally 2. Since this console is meant to be a temporary release before the next generation device manufactured by Microsoft, it is possible that it is simply an existing Asus model with Xbox branding.
While Microsoft has been vocal about their interest in creating a handheld console, they have not seen much success in this market. According to a recent report, the gaming portable category has only sold a few million units worldwide. It is a bold move to put this new Xbox-branded console up against the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, especially considering the price of the current ROG Ally at £570.
However, it is likely that Microsoft wants to establish a presence in the handheld market before the Switch 2 takes over completely. This will give them some experience and an audience for when their next generation Xbox is ready. The success of this strategy remains to be seen, but it is clear that there will be a full reveal of the device, possibly happening this summer.
For those wondering if this will just be an Xbox branded ROG Ally, it is best to keep an eye out for more updates and announcements. And for those who want to stay updated on the latest news and developments, they can email or leave a comment, follow on Twitter, and sign up for the newsletter. To make it easier to submit letters and features, there is also a Submit Stuff page available.
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