Xbox-Branded Handheld Device Leaked: What You Need to Know

Image via FCC

Photos of a new Xbox-branded handheld gaming device made by Asus have been leaked online through official FCC certification documents.

These images reveal two versions of what appears to be the Asus ROG Ally 2 - a regular white model and a special black version featuring a dedicated Xbox button.

As Windows Central revealed earlier this year, the leaked device, known internally as "Project Kennan," represents a partnership between Microsoft and Asus to create an Xbox-focused gaming handheld.

The design of both models looks similar to other popular handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck. They feature analog sticks on both sides of a screen, with a D-pad on one side and ABXY face buttons on the other. The black Xbox-branded version has a small Xbox button located on its upper left side, distinguished by an "X" engraving.

Based on the leaked certification information, both models will include a 7-inch, 120Hz LCD display, similar to the original ROG Ally. However, the internal hardware differs between versions. As reported by VideoCardz, the Xbox edition will come with a more powerful 8-core, 36W AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme CPU, while the standard white version will use a less powerful 4-core, 20W chip.

The new design features more molded controller grips on each edge, making the device look thicker than its predecessor. This change might make it more comfortable to hold during extended gaming sessions.

It's important to note that this Xbox-branded handheld will likely run Windows 11 and won't be able to play all Xbox console games. It will, however, support everything available on the Microsoft Store for Xbox Play Anywhere titles and PC Game Pass games. Users will also be able to play games from Steam, Epic Games Store, and other PC gaming platforms like GOG.

Microsoft is expected to officially reveal Project Kennan in the coming months, possibly at their annual June showcase. Alternatively, since certification is already underway, the device might be announced at the upcoming Computex event, which begins on May 20th - just one day after Microsoft's Build conference starts on May 19th.

One major question that remains is the price point. With Xbox prices recently increasing worldwide and ongoing tariff issues affecting manufacturing costs, experts aren't expecting this device to be particularly affordable.

Microsoft is also reportedly working on their own official Xbox handheld, separate from this Asus partnership. However, according to Digital Foundry, that device is still years away from release, possibly targeting a 2027 launch window.

This Asus-Microsoft collaboration could be the first device to fall under Microsoft's recently introduced "Xbox PC" branding, which the company has begun using internally when discussing their PC gaming efforts.