Although today is April 1, it’s no joke that Asus and Microsoft have been collaborating on a portable Xbox in recent months. On Monday (March 31), a teaser for this new console was released on social media, hinting at an upcoming reveal. While the short clip doesn’t reveal much, it strongly suggests that a new gaming device is coming. Asus, known for its ROG Ally and ROG Ally X, seems to be working on what is being referred to as the “Keenan Project.”
A major clue pointing to a portable Xbox is the inclusion of Omni, paired with the ROG Ally and the Kairi Pro Controller, an officially licensed Xbox controller. Adding to the speculation, Microsoft’s official account responded to Asus’s post with memes, reinforcing the idea of a joint effort. Given the long-standing partnership between Asus and Microsoft—most recently seen in optimizing the Xbox app for Asus devices—this collaboration could result in an exciting new handheld gaming console, and we might not have to wait long to see it.
Rumors about Portable Xbox
For years, the idea of a portable Xbox and Microsoft’s entry into the handheld gaming market has been a topic of discussion. Phil Spencer has previously confirmed that his team is actively working on such a device, which is expected to launch in the coming years. Recently, the “Keenan Project” was unveiled as a partnership between Asus and Microsoft, aiming to test the handheld gaming environment. According to multiple sources, this device is set to arrive in 2025, finally addressing fan demands for a dedicated gaming interface on Windows 11 and the Xbox app.
While Windows is already present in many handheld gaming devices, its usability still has pain points, as seen in the excitement around using Steam outside of the Steam Deck. Many gamers rely on tools like Bazzite or Winhanced to improve their experience and work around Microsoft’s software limitations. This has fueled speculation that Asus and Xbox’s new handheld could feature a custom version of Windows, specifically optimized for gaming. Fans are also hoping for improvements in power efficiency, performance, and expanded internal storage, making this device a true competitor in the handheld gaming space.
The “true” portable Xbox
Even though the Keenan Project is already in progress, Microsoft has confirmed that it will release its own portable Xbox shortly. However, details remain scarce regarding how this handheld will function and how it will integrate into the Xbox console and services ecosystem. Unlike the Keenan Project, which is a collaboration with Asus, this Xbox handheld will be developed entirely by Microsoft.
Speculation suggests that this new portable Xbox could launch around the same time as the next-generation Xbox console, rumored to arrive in 2027. Reports indicate that this upcoming console will essentially function like a PC, potentially catering to a hardcore gaming audience. At the same time, the handheld could be designed for a more casual gaming experience.
