Asus has launched a brand new promotional video that’s seemingly teasing a brand new handheld gaming system. Within the teaser, which you’ll take a look at beneath, a robotic on the brink of have some upgrades put in.
Issues appear to go unsuitable (or proper), nevertheless, as a result of an ROG controller together with an ROG Ally additionally fall into the improve sales space together with the robotic. Whereas we don’t get a transparent view of the consequence, since it’s shrouded in fairly a little bit of fog, we’re in a position to see a show flanked by asymmetrically-placed analogue sticks, in addition to the ABXY face buttons proven on the show for a second.
Whereas the video is kind of clearly hinting in direction of a brand new iteration of the Asus ROG Ally, Microsoft additionally appears to have taken discover of the video. In a put up on social media platform X, the official Xbox account responded to the video with the side-eye monkey meme. Whereas nothing has been confirmed to date, it’s probably that the brand new ROG Ally may even be working on Home windows, and Microsoft might have even helped develop the system.
A report from again in March indicated that Microsoft has been working with one other firm for a third-party Xbox-based handheld gaming system. Whereas neither Asus nor Microsoft have confirmed something to date, the interplay X would possibly point out that the following ROG handheld system is likely to be the primary shot at an Xbox handheld that everybody has been ready for.
In keeping with the studies, the Xbox-based gaming system is being designed with “Xbox design sensibilities”. This additionally means the inclusion of a devoted Xbox Information button, in addition to help for the Home windows Retailer and Recreation Cross in a roundabout way.
Microsoft has not been shy about its aspirations to faucet into the hand-held gaming market following the success of merchandise just like the Linux-based Steam Deck and the Home windows-based Asus ROG Ally. Again in January, Microsoft’s vp of “Subsequent Era” Jason Ronald spoke in regards to the firm desirous to bridge the hole between Xbox and Home windows for a handheld gaming system.
“I’d say it’s bringing one of the best of Xbox and Home windows collectively, as a result of we’ve got spent the final 20 years constructing a world-class working system, nevertheless it’s actually locked to the console,” Ronald stated. “What we’re doing is we’re actually centered on how will we deliver these experiences for each gamers and builders to the broader Home windows ecosystem.”
For Microsoft, this additionally means streamlining the expertise by making Home windows extra intuitive to make use of on a handheld system. Ronald believes that this implies designing the system to be nearer to a console than a gaming PC.
“We’re centered on actually simplifying that and making it far more like a console expertise,” he defined. “Our aim is to place the participant and their library on the middle of the expertise and never all of the [Windows] work that you need to do immediately.”
As for Microsoft itself, the corporate is rumoured to be working by itself handheld gaming system internally. These rumours point out that Microsoft is 2027 as its launch window. What this implies for the lifecycle of its Xbox Collection X/S consoles, nevertheless, is at present unknown.
— Xbox (@Xbox) March 31, 2025
