ASUS Xbox Handheld First Images Leak Online

It appears that photos of ASUS' Xbox-branded handheld device, codenamed Project Kennan, have surfaced online. As initially reported by 91mobiles and later spotted by Eurogamer, two images of the ASUS ROG Ally 2 — one in white and one in black — were leaked via the Indonesian certification office, which linked to a now-deleted listing on the U.S.'s FCC website.

Both versions feature Xbox-configured buttons (Y, B, A, and X), distinguishing them from PlayStation's triangle, circle, cross, and square, or Nintendo's X, A, B, and Y layouts. Notably, the black variant's photo showcases a prominent Xbox button next to the thumbstick, although it lacks the typical 'X' symbol. While the tech specs remain somewhat fragmented, it's unclear how these devices will perform or if there are significant differences between the black and white models.

According to Windows Central's Jez Corden, these devices are currently undergoing testing at Microsoft's headquarters, hinting at an imminent reveal, possibly around May 20. Jez Corden shared a tweet about the leaked photos, fueling further speculation.

Last month, ASUS Republic of Gamers' X/Twitter account teased a glimpse of both a Republic of Gamers (ROG) Xbox controller and a handheld system. The official Xbox account responded with a playful wide-eyed gif, suggesting an upcoming formal announcement.

This follows an earlier report from IGN about Microsoft's video game hardware plans, which include a next-gen Xbox slated for 2027 and an Xbox-branded gaming handheld expected to launch later in 2025. While the ASUS ROG Ally 2 isn't a Microsoft-made console, Microsoft is reportedly working on its own first-party Xbox handheld, which Phil Spencer indicated is still years away.

Additionally, the successor to the Xbox Series X is reportedly in full production and expected to be released in two years, aligning with Xbox president Sarah Bond's statement that Microsoft is "moving full speed ahead on our next generation hardware," with a focus on delivering the largest technological leap ever in a generation.