There’s something about handheld gaming that hits differently. Maybe it’s the nostalgia of playing on a Game Boy under the covers, or maybe it’s the freedom of carrying your entire library with you wherever you go. Either way, the latest leak about an Xbox portable has gamers buzzing and this time, the surprise twist is Asus joining the party.
Leaks point to an official reveal on August 16, with the handheld hitting shelves by October 20. That’s pretty quick by gaming industry standards, where hype cycles usually drag on for months. The timing just before Gamescom feels intentional, like Xbox and Asus are aiming to steal the spotlight before anyone else can.
While fans once dreamed of Microsoft crafting its own handheld from scratch, the company seems to have played it smart. Asus, with its Republic of Gamers (ROG) brand, has already built a reputation for sturdy, high-performance portables. By teaming up, Xbox gets a fast track into handhelds without reinventing the wheel. It’s less about compromise and more about combining strengths.
Reports suggest two models: a standard €599 version that goes toe-to-toe with the Steam Deck, and a premium €899 ROG Xbox Ally X. The pricier one offers upgraded performance and a sleeker design that looks suspiciously like Sony’s PlayStation Portal. Comfort seems to be a priority too, with an ergonomic grip aimed at long gaming sessions.
This leak isn’t just about a new toy it’s about Xbox finally carving a place in the handheld arena. Imagine playing your favorite Xbox titles on a flight, in a café, or sprawled out on the couch without tying up the TV. With Asus’s hardware expertise and Xbox’s game ecosystem, this collaboration could make handhelds mainstream again. And honestly, who doesn’t want that kind of freedom?
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.
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