ASUS Xbox Handheld Images Leak Online

Photos of ASUS' Xbox-branded handheld device, codenamed Project Kennan, have surfaced online. Initially reported by 91mobiles and identified by Eurogamer, two images of the ASUS ROG Ally 2 device—one white and one black—appeared through Indonesia's certification body, referencing (now removed) a listing on the U.S.'s FCC website.

Both models feature Xbox-style buttons (Y, B, A, X) instead of PlayStation’s triangle/circle/cross/square or Nintendo’s X/A/B/Y layout. The black variant image is particularly noteworthy, showing what appears to be an Xbox-specific button to the left of the thumbstick, though it lacks a defined 'X'. At this stage, details about technical specifications are sparse, making it unclear how the device will perform or whether there are notable differences between the color options.

According to Windows Central's Jez Corden, the units are currently undergoing testing at Microsoft headquarters, hinting at a possible unveiling around May 20th.

Earlier this year, ASUS' Republic of Gamers (ROG) Twitter account teased glimpses of both a controller and handheld system, prompting acknowledgment from the official Xbox account via a playful animated reaction. This aligns with previous reports from IGN indicating Microsoft's ambitions to release a next-gen Xbox in 2027, along with an Xbox-branded gaming handheld potentially launching later this year.

Notably, this handheld isn't manufactured by Microsoft itself. Instead, the company plans to debut its own standalone device in 2027, coinciding with the next-generation Xbox. Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft Gaming, recently mentioned that a first-party handheld remains several years away. Meanwhile, production of the successor to the Xbox Series X is reportedly complete and expected within two years, echoing Xbox President Sarah Bond's statement about accelerating progress on future hardware aimed at delivering unprecedented advancements.