A flurry of leaked images and regulatory filings has sent the gaming community into a frenzy, revealing what appears to be the first official Xbox handheld gaming device, developed in collaboration with Asus. The device, codenamed “Project Kennan,” is set to make waves as a new contender in the portable PC gaming market, potentially launching later this year.
Project Kennan Leaked Images and FCC Filings
As first reported by 91mobiles and spotted by Eurogamer, photos of the Asus ROG Ally 2, including a special Xbox-branded variant, surfaced online following regulatory certifications in Indonesia and the United States. The images, originally posted on the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) website, show two versions of the handheld: a standard white model and a black model featuring a dedicated Xbox button on its face. This button, positioned near the left thumbstick, is a clear nod to the Xbox branding and is expected to serve as a quick-access menu, similar to the Xbox button on a standard controller.
The devices’ certification process, including Wi-Fi module listings and regulatory approvals, suggests that a launch is imminent. Industry insiders, including Windows Central’s Jez Corden, report that these units are currently being tested at Microsoft’s headquarters, with a public reveal likely to coincide with Computex 2025, which begins on May 20th.
Technical Specifications and Features
According to multiple sources, the Xbox-branded ROG Ally 2 will be powered by AMD’s latest Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU, an eight-core processor designed for high-performance gaming handhelds. The device is also rumored to include 64GB of RAM and a 7-inch, 120Hz LCD display, offering a significant boost over previous generations.
The design of the new handheld has evolved from the original ROG Ally, featuring more contoured grips and a bulkier, more ergonomic shape. This should provide greater comfort during extended gaming sessions, addressing one of the main criticisms of earlier models.
Despite the Xbox branding and dedicated button, the device is expected to run Windows 11 rather than a custom operating system. This means full compatibility with PC games and storefronts such as Steam and GOG, as well as access to Xbox Game Pass and other Microsoft services.
Market Impact and Future Prospects
The leaked Xbox handheld is positioned as a direct competitor to Valve’s Steam Deck and other portable gaming PCs. By leveraging Asus’s hardware expertise and Microsoft’s Xbox ecosystem, the device aims to deliver a seamless gaming experience for players who want to take their Xbox library on the go.
While the leaked device is a collaboration with Asus, Microsoft is also rumored to be working on a first-party Xbox handheld. However, that device is not expected to launch until at least 2027, making the Project Kennan device the most immediate entry into the Xbox handheld market.
Anticipated Release and Pricing
As of now, no official release date or pricing information has been confirmed. However, with the certification process underway and the device being tested at Microsoft, a launch in June or shortly after Computex 2025 appears likely. The standard ROG Ally 2 is expected to target the premium handheld market, and the Xbox-branded variant may carry a similar price tag.
The leaked Xbox-branded handheld, developed in partnership with Asus, marks a significant step forward for Microsoft in the portable gaming space. With cutting-edge hardware, Xbox integration, and an ergonomic design, the device is poised to become a major player in the growing handheld PC market. Gamers and industry watchers alike are eagerly awaiting the official announcement, expected at Computex 2025.
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