Recent leaks have surfaced showcasing ASUS' new Xbox-branded handheld device, codenamed Project Kennan. As reported by 91mobiles and Eurogamer, images of the ASUS ROG Ally 2 in both white and black have been leaked from the Indonesian certification office, with a now-deleted listing on the U.S.'s FCC website. Both versions feature Xbox-configured buttons (Y, B, A, and X), diverging from the PlayStation and Nintendo layouts. Notably, the black variant includes a distinct Xbox button next to the thumbstick, though without the traditional 'X' logo. While detailed tech specs remain scarce, it's unclear if there are significant differences between the two color options.
According to Windows Central's Jez Corden, these devices are currently under testing at Microsoft's headquarters, with a potential reveal expected around May 20. Corden shared the leak on X/Twitter, sparking further interest in the project.
Photos of Xbox's "Project Kennan" seem to have leaked. https://t.co/fQiMISNMJZ
— Jez (@JezCorden) May 7, 2025
Last month, ASUS Republic of Gamers' X/Twitter account teased a glimpse of both a Republic of Gamers (ROG) Xbox controller and a handheld system. The official Xbox account responded with a playful gif, hinting at an upcoming official reveal. This follows reports from IGN about Microsoft's broader gaming hardware ambitions, including a next-gen Xbox expected in 2027 and an Xbox-branded handheld possibly launching later in 2025.
While the ASUS ROG Ally 2 is not a Microsoft-made console, the company is reportedly planning its own first-party Xbox handheld, which Microsoft gaming boss Phil Spencer has indicated is still years away. Additionally, the successor to the Xbox Series X is reportedly in full production and set to launch in two years, aligning with Xbox president Sarah Bond's comments about Microsoft's commitment to advancing next-generation hardware technology.
