Earlier this month, in an electrifying reveal by gaming insider Jez Corden, word broke out that Microsoft is collaborating with ASUS on a handheld gaming device tentatively titled "Project Kennan." Now, a tantalizing teaser trailer has made its way to social media, hinting at what this revolutionary Xbox handheld might look like.

In a cheeky acknowledgment, Xbox engaged with the trailer on X (formerly Twitter) by sharing a meme, generating buzz and speculation that their handheld gaming device could indeed be tied to ASUS's next-gen ROG Ally.

As a passionate handheld gaming enthusiast who has previously reviewed both the original ROG Ally and the ROG Ally X, I couldn't be more excited about this partnership. The ROG Ally X already stands as the pinnacle of PC gaming handhelds due to its impressive performance, design, and affordability compared to competitors like the $899.99 MSI Claw 8 AI+. The news that the Xbox handheld will incorporate the ROG Ally design updates the excitement to a whole new level.

Notably, upcoming ROG Ally handhelds equipped with AMD's innovative Ryzen Z2 chips are anticipated to launch later this year. This aligns perfectly with the news of the Xbox handheld, which could mean we're looking at a powerful device capable of high-end gaming in a compact format.

The timing of this announcement is particularly striking, coinciding just before the highly awaited Nintendo Switch 2 event, arguably stealing some of the spotlight. From a strategic marketing perspective, this move showcases Microsoft's commitment to competing in the portable gaming sector.

What to Expect from the ROG Ally Xbox Handheld

The teaser trailer, while only 34 seconds long, presents an imaginative concept. We see a little robot working industriously to enhance its own features, diving into a device that combines the classic ROG Ally aesthetic with new innovations. With glimpses of the robot, we can interpret improvements in functionality — including longer battery life, faster speeds, increased storage capacity, and a fresh new design.

An intriguing detail arises with the promise of an Xbox button replacing one of the ROG Ally's Armory Crate buttons, hinting at a gamer-friendly experience tethered to Xbox's ecosystem. Reports suggest that this handheld device will function as a Windows PC rather than merely a portable console.

It’s essential to mention that a full-blown next-gen Xbox handheld is reportedly in the pipeline, eyeing a potential release by 2027. This future device is said to bridge the gap closely between Xbox and Windows.

Regarding pricing, Jez Corden speculates that "Project Kennan" isn't set in stone yet, but early projections indicate a price range between $499 and $599. While slightly above the base model Steam Deck, it promises a level of affordability relative to the Lenovo Legion Go. However, I'd advise cautiously waiting for official announcements as the launch date approaches.

As enthusiasts and gamers, we stand at the brink of a new frontier with the Xbox ROG handheld. The prospect of sophisticated gaming on-the-go and the exciting possibilities it brings are sure to rekindle the love of gaming in portable form.

Stay tuned for more updates as we dive deeper into all that the ROG Ally Xbox handheld has to offer, and share your thoughts on the features you'd love to see in this innovative device!