Report: Xbox Handheld For 2025 Being Made By ASUS, Will Feature Console-Like Interface

Update [Thu 13th Mar 2025, 12:01am]: Windows Central’s Jez Corden has since chimed in with even more details on his end, mentioning that he believes the handheld could end up landing around the $499 – $599 range, and that it could release as soon as this summer. That said, he advises readers to take the information with a “grain of salt” as there are many factors that could affect dates and pricing.

He also mentions that he’s heard two different versions (or “SKUs”) will be on offer, although the differences between the two remain unclear at this point.

As expected, this particular Xbox handheld isn’t expected to run console versions of Xbox games, but rather will utilise the Xbox PC app along with the likes of Xbox Cloud Gaming to make its titles available. It’s believed the system will feature support for Steam, the Epic Games Store, Battle.net and various other launchers as well – just like the ROG Ally.

“Launch windows need to be taken with a grain of salt here, due to tariffs, global macroeconomic conditions, and so on. But we have heard that the Kennan device could launch as soon as this summer. The original ROG Ally launched in June, 2023, and it has been suggested to us that ASUS and Microsoft are targeting a similar landing strip.”

Original Story: Earlier this week, it was reported that Xbox was working with an unknown manufacturer on a branded Xbox handheld for 2025, to be followed by a first-party handheld at some point in the future (maybe 2027), and now thanks to The Verge, we have a few additional details on what to expect from this year’s version – if indeed it launches this year.

The outlet says in its report that the 2025 Xbox handheld is being created in partnership with ASUS (known for the ROG Ally series of handhelds) and will be powered by Windows – but with an interface that more closely resembles an Xbox.

“The device itself will be powered by Windows underneath but with an interface that more closely resembles what you’d find on an Xbox.”

Apparently, this 2025 Xbox handheld is part of Microsoft’s efforts to try and “unify Windows and Xbox towards a universal library of Xbox and PC games”. As we’ve already heard this year, Xbox’s Jason Ronald has talked about wanting to bring a console experience to PC handhelds, so this new system seems to align well with that strategy.

“Sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans tell me the company’s Xbox platform plans for this year and beyond are centred on one big goal: the unification of Windows and Xbox.”

The report explains that Microsoft is also trying to combine Xbox and Windows to provide a “single store of games”, as well as make things easier for developers to build titles across multiple platforms such as console, PC and handhelds.

In terms of a release date, it’s noted that the Xbox handheld is “likely” to debut this year, but a lot of the work remains ongoing and it remains to be seen whether timelines will change. 2025 appears to be the plan right now though!