Sure, the Xbox Games Showcase is reserved primarily for games, but it’s not unprecedented to see them reveal new hardware. Last year, we saw new Xbox Series X|S colorways, with 2023 providing a Starfield limited edition of peripherals and the Xbox Series S Carbon. So it might not be too hard to believe that we might get to see the rumored/leaked ROG Ally Xbox handheld.

It was only a couple of months ago when ASUS ROG teased an Xbox handheld, which proceeded to be leaked a month later. It wasn’t given the warmest reception, being called ugly, but at least it looks like it was made with ergonomics in mind first.

Given the progress made in developing a prototype, it may be time for it to be revealed at the Xbox Showcase. SteamOS handhelds are getting all the buzz, as Legion Go S reviews and the Steam Decks’ continued success have meant that alternative Windows handhelds are being viewed less favorably. The show could provide a platform for ASUS ROG to show what it can do with Windows.

A handheld Xbox for all the new games?

The handheld market has been abuzz and growing in numbers, with more available models than ever. Even the Nintendo Switch 2 was released recently, and Sony has the PlayStation portal. Yet, Xbox doesn’t have anything proprietary, even if Windows and Game Pass can be found on other devices; it has nothing similar to its rivals to call its own. And recent reports suggest that Microsoft has hit pause on the development of an in-house handheld.

Before the launch of the next-gen Xbox, it would be ideal to get something new out there. Even if it’s just a teaser for the next ROG Ally, it would definitely be the perfect time to do so. According to the leaks, a new version of the ROG Ally could be coming in two variants, one of them being fitted with Xbox branding – that would make a lot of sense given the aforementioned Xbox handheld teaser trailer.

It could bring some much-needed upgrades for performance and hardware, with improved graphics and better framerates on a smaller handheld, making it the ideal upgrade that ASUS continues to bring with each ROG Ally release, now one that Xbox can put its name to. The company expressed its intention to stick to Windows, which helps it remain closer to the Xbox ecosystem.

Showing that off with all the games it’s bringing to Xbox is a great combo too. Pairing it up with every title that can be brought to a handheld gives the optimal opportunity to show why Xbox (or, at least, Xbox-branding) could be your handheld of choice.

Xbox Games Showcase 2025 is taking place on June 8th at 10 AM PDT / 1 PM EDT / 6 PM BST.

About the Author

Sebastian Kozlowski

With a fascination for technology and games, Seb is a tech writer with a focus on hardware and deals. He is also the primary tester and reviewer at BGFG and PCGuide.