- A new leak has revealed the first look at the upcoming Xbox handheld.
- Created in collaboration with ASUS, the handheld console will run on a custom version of Windows.
- It will be a custom version of ROG Ally 2 with a special Xbox version.
After the Nintendo Switch 2 launch, Microsoft wants to jump onto the handheld trend with its first console. Not to be confused with the first-party console coming in 2027, this is an Xbox-branded handheld. Microsoft has collaborated with ASUS to design the upcoming console. However, a new leak reveals that the upcoming Xbox console might be just a ROG Ally 2 in disguise. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
The Upcoming Xbox Handheld Will Be A Custom Version Of ROG Ally 2
In a new filing at the US FCC (Federal Communications Commission), images of the upcoming Xbox handheld have emerged. It shows the previously rumoured console in all black design with a ROG branding on it.
The leaked photo shows a slightly dirty ROG Ally 2 with a familiar design. Speaking of the much-awaited ROG Ally 2, we also get a glimpse at it in a white color model.
Basically, the Xbox-branded handheld is a black version of the ROG Ally 2. So what’s different about it then? Well, there’s an unpainted but prominent Xbox logo on the left side of the handheld.
Also Read:
- RuneScape Dragonwilds Console Release: When Can You Play on PS5 & Xbox?
- No More Waiting for Downloads, Xbox Cloud Gaming Introduces Instant Multiplayer Invite Links
Another major change could be underneath: the hardware. Apparently, the Microsoft-branded version of ROG Ally will use a Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor with 8 cores. This is a huge upgrade over the regular ROG Ally 2, which is likely to use an AMD Ryzen 5 5600X chipset with four cores.
It will have 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM compared to 16GB on the standard ROG Ally 2. Both consoles will have a 7-inch screen with a 120Hz refresh rate.
The Ally 2 will have a thicker design with rounded grips and corners. Furthermore, there will be two USB-C ports on each controller apart from HDMI and a 3.5mm port.
Custom Version Of Windows And Tighter Integration
Despite being produced by a third-party manufacturer, there is likely to be tighter integration on the software front. Codenamed Project Kenan, the handheld console will run on a custom version of Windows 11.
Furthermore, this Xbox button will give access to things like PC Game Pass and Xbox Play Anywhere feature. It could also be a shortcut for launching the Xbox app on Windows.
This is likely due to a custom launcher or layer that Microsoft is developing with ASUS for this handheld console. What’s interesting is that Microsoft and ASUS are planning to hold separate events for the console. Both events will take place on May 20, 2025, where Microsoft could announce the software and ASUS could reveal the hardware.
Not to be confused with the handheld console that can play Xbox games natively, it is set to launch in 2027. This will be the first in-house console from the company.
