ASUS Teases Xbox and ROG Ally Console Collaboration

[AleksandarK]

The upcoming collaboration project between Microsoft and ASUS is slowly materializing in the form of a handheld gaming console, as recently released promotional material shows. The latest teaser video shows an ASUS ROG Ally and Xbox controller merging into a single unit, becoming an animated character, indicating a hardware partnership that combines Microsoft's software ecosystem with ASUS's portable hardware expertise. Project Kennan, as the device is reportedly codenamed, contradicts earlier Xbox executive statements regarding development timelines. Initial projections suggested the hardware launch within a 2-3 year window, yet current information suggests a potential Q3/Q4 2025 release, with perhaps an announcement in Q2 this year. Following Steam Deck's market success, the accelerated schedule may come from increased competitive pressure in the handheld PC gaming segment.

The device appears to feature a predominantly black chassis, though other specifications remain undisclosed. AMD architecture integration will likely continue the foundation established in both Xbox Series consoles and the ROG Ally platform. This hardware choice would prioritize performance-per-watt efficiency crucial for portable gaming applications. A significant technical decision remains regarding the operating system implementation: whether to deploy standard Windows with Xbox integration or develop a custom Xbox-centric interface layer. This choice will directly impact ecosystem compatibility, application support, and user experience fluidity. Both companies have maintained limited official communication regarding the project, with the teaser video serving as the primary confirmation of their collaboration.



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[Jermelescu]

They'd better add RDNA4 in it like the PS5 Pro, otherwise it will be pretty meh.

 

[Caring1]

Xbox is basically dead now, why do they keep flogging it?

 

[Chaitanya]

Unless MS is creating a dedicated OS for gaming(debloated and no telemetery) this whole excercise will be big nothing burger.

 

[dj-electric]

They'd better add RDNA4 in it like the PS5 Pro, otherwise it will be pretty meh.

PS5 Pro doesn't use RDNA4.
PS5 Pro doesn't even use RDNA3.5

 

[Gooigi's Ex]

Xbox is basically dead now, why do they keep flogging it?

Because it’s not dead? They are doing things that Sony can ever dream of

 

[Cheeseball]

This is probably the 2nd generation ROG Ally.

By the way, in that teaser video it's not a Microsoft Xbox controller that is shown but ASUS's own ROG Raikiri Pro. I don't think this announcement has anything to do with Microsoft Xbox.



- Marathon stamina (most likely means big battery)
- More capacity (1TB+ models likely)
- Faster speeds (most likely the AMD Ryzen Z2 or Z2 Extreme)

All ASUS needs to do is take their current ROG Ally X, upgrade the APU to either Z2 or Z2 Extreme, make both USB-C ports USB4v1 (or TB5/USB4v2 if they want to spend on a separate controller, but highly unlikely), have minimum 32 GB of LPDDR5-7500 RAM and at least the same 80whr battery or larger. If they want to fund an OLED native landscape panel, at least make it 1200p120 VRR (16:10 like the Legion Go S and MSI Claw 8+ screens) otherwise stick with the existing fast IPS 1080p120 VRR panel.

 

[Jermelescu]

PS5 Pro doesn't use RDNA4.
PS5 Pro doesn't even use RDNA3.5

PS5 Pro has bits and pieces from RDNA4, and a handheld would need FSR4 if it were to be released later this year.