ASUS Xbox Handheld First Images Leak Online

Photos of ASUS' Xbox-branded handheld device, codenamed Project Kennan, have surfaced online, sparking excitement and speculation among gaming enthusiasts. As reported by 91mobiles and noted by Eurogamer, images of the ASUS ROG Ally 2 in both white and black have leaked, seemingly originating from the Indonesian certification office and linking to a now-deleted listing on the U.S. FCC website.

Both versions of the device feature buttons styled after Xbox's layout, including Y, B, A, and X, distinguishing them from PlayStation's and Nintendo's configurations. The black variant stands out with a prominent Xbox button, albeit without the iconic 'X', positioned next to the thumbstick. While detailed tech specs remain sparse, it's unclear whether there are significant differences between the black and white models.

Windows Central's Jez Corden has shared that these devices are currently undergoing testing at Microsoft HQ, hinting at an imminent reveal possibly around May 20. Corden's tweet on May 7, 2025, further fueled anticipation for the "Project Kennan" leak.

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

This development follows an earlier IGN report on Microsoft’s ambitious plans for video game hardware, which include a next-gen Xbox slated for 2027 and an Xbox-branded gaming handheld expected later in 2025. Although the ASUS ROG Ally 2 is not a Microsoft-made console, Microsoft gaming boss Phil Spencer has hinted that a first-party Xbox handheld is still years away.

Additionally, the successor to the Xbox Series X is reportedly in full production and set to launch in two years, aligning with Xbox president Sarah Bond's assertion that Microsoft is "moving full speed ahead on our next generation hardware," aiming for a significant technological advancement in the next generation.