2025 is shaping as much as be a fairly large yr for handheld gaming. We’ve already seen the launch of the Lenovo Legion Go S, and by the point you’re studying this, we’d know when the Nintendo Swap 2 is arriving. Nonetheless, one of many largest surprises of the yr up to now is the information {that a} contemporary Asus ROG Ally handheld is coming, and it might have one thing of an Xbox twist.
For individuals who don’t know, the Asus ROG Ally X is the model’s newest transportable PC gaming system, which occurs to be one of many finest handheld consoles available on the market. Whereas the Steam Deck’s SteamOS working system is perhaps simpler to make use of, the ROG Ally X gives unimaginable efficiency, so we’re excited to see what the gaming juggernaut behind the system is cooking up for us. Nevertheless, this seems to be prefer it might be an Asus handheld with a distinction.
Whereas the Xbox connection isn’t that obvious from the Asus teaser trailer, there are two hints that that is the Xbox-branded handheld we reported on earlier this yr. The primary is that the remodeling system within the clip pulls in each the Asus ROG Ally and the ROG Raikiri Professional Xbox controller, seemingly combining them. The second trace is much more on the nostril and comes from a reply from the official Xbox X account to the Asus teaser clip, which is value testing when you haven’t seen it. I’m not all the time a giant fan of manufacturers considering they’ll meme, however I’ve obtained to present it to whoever’s coping with socials at Xbox.
Sadly, the teaser trailer from Asus didn’t point out when the model’s new gaming handheld might arrive or how a lot it may cost a little, only a fast have a look at the silhouette of the system. Both approach, it’s a probable future choose for our checklist of one of the best Steam Deck options. It’s additionally value stating that this isn’t the official Xbox handheld Phil Spencer alluded to final yr. We’re not anticipating that for some time but, but when that is the primary handheld to launch with an Xbox-style person interface quite than Home windows 11, it might assist Microsoft cease producers from dropping its software program in favor of SteamOS.
From this level on, we’ll keep watch over each Asus’ and Xbox’s social accounts for any updates on the mysterious handheld. For extra of this yr’s most anticipated consoles, take a look at our Nintendo Swap 2 information and Lenovo Legion Go 2 information whilst you’re right here. Or, when you’d favor one thing a little bit extra nostalgic, see our checklist of the finest retro handhelds.
