Asus has previewed its upcoming ROG Ally handheld gaming console, showcasing a range of hardware enhancements just days prior to the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 presentation. The company initially introduced the Asus ROG Ally in 2023, followed by a mid-cycle update announced last year. Recent reports indicate that Asus is also developing an Xbox-branded handheld that aims to merge Windows and Xbox functionalities, featuring a user interface reminiscent of Microsoft’s consoles, with a launch expected later this year.
Hardware Expansions on Next-Gen ROG Ally Console Highlighted
A video shared on X (formerly Twitter) features Asus’ mascot, Omni, sitting by a machine displaying various performance enhancements, including “marathon stamina,” “more capacity,” “faster speeds,” and a “fresh look.” Following this demonstration, Omni is seen spinning into a pod, accompanied by an Asus Raikiri Pro PC controller and the ROG Ally.
The video concludes with a silhouetted view of the next-generation handheld, obscuring most details except for the display showcasing Omni’s face. There was no specific mention of a release date or detailed hardware specifications. Shortly after the teaser’s release, the official Xbox account on X responded, drawing upon the popular ‘awkward look monkey puppet’ meme.
According to earlier reports, Asus is thought to be developing an Xbox-branded gaming handheld, codenamed “Project Kennan.” This device is expected to integrate the Windows and Xbox experiences and is rumored to be powered by Windows along with a redesigned user interface that aligns with Microsoft’s Xbox offerings.
The upgrades hinted at in the teaser video suggest that the forthcoming ROG Ally model may feature the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU, which was announced earlier this year. This octa-core processor is designed using AMD’s Zen 5 architecture and includes 16 GPU cores.
The reference to a “fresh look” in the teaser could point to an updated Xbox app on Windows, potentially serving as a platform for showcasing games on the new Asus handheld or functioning as a launcher.
Although some skepticism may arise from the teaser’s release coinciding with April 1, it’s important to remember that Asus originally announced the first-generation ROG Ally on the same date in 2023. While an official launch date for the next-generation handheld has yet to be declared, previous reports indicate it is likely to debut later this year.
