Asus has indicated in collaboration with Xbox, making speculation about a potential new handheld gaming device. A teaser posted by ASUS suggests that its ROG partner can expand the lineup with Xbox integration, fueling an official Xbox handheld rumors.
The teaser video posted on the Games Twitter account features ROG robot mascot tinkering and entering a machine with some software, where an ROG Elie X console and an ROG Raikiri Pro Xbox Controller accidentally slip before the machine is closed. It appears that two devices merge, and while the final product does not appear perfectly, it is in the hand of a Assis ROG collaborative-style with a diagonally deployed LED-lit analog stick.
In particular, the official Xbox Twitter account responded to the teaser of ASUS with the “Funny Look Monkey Puppet” meme. Since Xbox reacted quickly after Asus’s tweet, it is safe to believe that the exchange was a coordinated attempt, indicating a planned cooperation.
The ROG partner, Asus’ handheld gaming console, runs Windows and supports the Xbox game passing, allowing users to play the moving Xbox title. An intense integration with Xbox can mean better software optimization, exclusive features, or even a dedicated Xbox handheld manufactured with asus hardware. Given the recent push of Microsoft for cloud gaming and game pass expansion, a handheld device designed for Xbox gaming may be a logical next step.
Rumors of an Xbox handheld have been aired over the years, but Microsoft has so far released a dedicated portable console. Instead, it focuses on cloud gaming and expands Xbox services on many platforms. A partnership with ASUS may allow Microsoft to enter the handheld market without developing their hardware from scratches.
Some people guess that this cooperation may be an updated ROG collaborative with Xbox-specific features, such as custom UI, pre-installed Xbox services, or compatibility with the ecosystem of Microsoft. Others believe that this can be a completely new tool aimed at cloud gaming or local Xbox game streaming.
Neither Asus nor Microsoft has revealed concrete details about the partnership, but the teaser can be on the horizon, with already a buzz. Whether it is a software-centric cooperation or a full Xbox handheld is yet to be seen, but the possibility of portable Xbox gaming experience is certain for gamers interest that are looking for more ways to play on the go.
