It seems that images of ASUS’ upcoming Xbox-branded handheld device, codenamed Project Kennan, have surfaced online.
First detailed by 91mobiles and later noted by Eurogamer, two leaked photos—one showcasing a white variant and the other a black version—appear to have been inadvertently shared through an Indonesian certification portal. These portals often serve as early indicators of upcoming tech releases. The listing was reportedly linked to a now-removed page on the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) website.
Both versions of the ASUS ROG Ally 2 appear to be designed with Xbox button layouts in mind—showing Y, B, A, and X face buttons instead of PlayStation or Nintendo configurations. The black model is especially intriguing, featuring a clearly visible Xbox button positioned to the left of the thumbstick, although it lacks the traditional 'X' branding.
As for technical specifications, details remain sparse at this stage. There's no concrete information yet about performance capabilities or whether there are any significant differences between the two color variants.
However, according to Windows Central’s Jez Corden, these devices are currently under active testing at Microsoft headquarters. He also speculates that an official announcement could arrive around May 20.
Photos of Xbox's "Project Kennan" seem to have leaked. https://t.co/fQiMISNMJZ
— Jez (@JezCorden) May 7, 2025
Just last month, ASUS Republic of Gamers’ official X (formerly Twitter) account posted a teaser video offering a quick look at both a potential ROG Xbox controller and a handheld system. The official Xbox account responded to the post with an emoji-like wide-eyed GIF, hinting at an imminent reveal.
This news follows a prior report from IGN regarding Microsoft’s broader gaming hardware strategy. That report suggested plans for a next-generation Xbox console expected in 2027, as well as an Xbox-branded gaming handheld potentially launching later in 2025.
Although this particular handheld is being developed in partnership with ASUS rather than directly by Microsoft, internal efforts for a first-party Xbox handheld are reportedly still years away. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer recently acknowledged as much during an interview.
In related news, development of the successor to the Xbox Series X is allegedly already in full swing, with a projected release window set for two years from now. This aligns with recent remarks made by Xbox president Sarah Bond, who stated that Microsoft is “moving full speed ahead on our next generation hardware”, emphasizing a focus on delivering what she described as “the biggest technological leap ever in a generation.”
