ASUS and Microsoft's Xbox-branded handheld appears in leaked FCC photos

Engadget - May 7th, 2025
Open on Engadget

Newly leaked photos from the FCC suggest that an Xbox-branded handheld gaming console, developed by ASUS, may be on the horizon. The leak, which was reported by Videocardz and analyzed by The Verge, reveals two versions of the ROG Ally 2 handheld console, one featuring a prominent Xbox button. This button could potentially support Xbox-related functionalities such as the Xbox Game Bar, Play Anywhere, and Game Pass Ultimate. While both versions of the console sport similar designs with a 7-inch 120Hz display, the Xbox model is expected to have superior specifications, including an AMD 8-Core 36W Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor and 64GB LPDDR5X memory.

The emergence of an Xbox-branded handheld console marks a significant development in the gaming industry, highlighting Microsoft's continued expansion into portable gaming. The potential integration of Xbox features into ASUS's new device could offer gamers a more seamless and versatile gaming experience, aligning with the increasing consumer demand for portable gaming solutions. This move could position Microsoft more competitively against existing players in the handheld market. As the gaming community anticipates further official announcements, the leaked images and specifications hint at a strategic shift that could influence the future trajectory of handheld gaming technology.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

5.8
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides an intriguing look into the potential release of an Xbox-branded handheld gaming console based on leaked information. It effectively captures the interest of gaming enthusiasts by highlighting potential specifications and features. However, the reliance on unverified leaks and speculative claims affects its accuracy and balance. The story would benefit from greater transparency and verification from official sources to substantiate its claims.

While the article is timely and addresses a topic of public interest, its impact is somewhat limited by the lack of official confirmation. The writing is clear and engaging, making it accessible to a broad audience. However, the article could offer a more balanced perspective by including insights from industry experts or discussing potential challenges associated with the development of a new handheld console by Microsoft.

Overall, the story is a compelling exploration of a potential development in the gaming industry, but readers should approach the claims with caution until more concrete information is available.

RATING DETAILS

6
Accuracy

The article claims that new photos leaked from the FCC confirm an Xbox-branded handheld gaming console is coming soon. This assertion is based on leaked information, which inherently carries a degree of uncertainty until officially confirmed. The article accurately describes the specifications and differences between the two versions of the ASUS ROG Ally 2 handhelds but relies heavily on speculative and unverified sources. For instance, it mentions specific hardware components like the AMD 8-core 36W Ryzen Z2 Extreme CPU, which needs verification from official sources.

The article also discusses the potential functionality of the Xbox button and expected features such as Xbox Game Bar and Game Pass Ultimate. However, these claims are speculative and lack direct confirmation from Microsoft or ASUS. The story's reliance on third-party sources like Videocardz and Engadget, without official statements, affects its accuracy. While the information aligns with similar reports, the lack of official confirmation means these claims should be viewed with caution.

Overall, the article presents a plausible scenario but requires further verification of its claims, particularly regarding the specifications and functionality of the devices.

5
Balance

The article primarily presents a single perspective focused on the potential release of an Xbox-branded handheld console. It does not explore alternative viewpoints or provide a broader context regarding the implications of such a release in the gaming industry. The narrative is heavily centered on the leaked information and lacks a balanced discussion of potential challenges or criticisms related to the development of a new handheld console by Microsoft.

There is a brief mention of existing peripherals like the Backbone One, which could have been expanded to provide a more balanced view of how this new device might compete or complement existing products. Additionally, the article does not include perspectives from industry experts or analysts, which could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the potential impact of this development.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and concise, with a straightforward presentation of the information. It effectively outlines the key features and differences between the two versions of the ASUS ROG Ally 2 handhelds, making it easy for readers to understand the potential offerings of these devices.

However, the article could benefit from a more structured approach to distinguishing between confirmed facts and speculative claims. The inclusion of speculative features and potential functionalities without clear demarcation may cause confusion among readers. Overall, the language is accessible, but the clarity could be improved by explicitly stating which elements are confirmed and which are speculative.

6
Source quality

The article relies on sources such as Videocardz and Engadget, which are known for covering technology and gaming news. However, these sources are secondary and based on leaks rather than official announcements. The credibility of the information is therefore contingent on the reliability of these third-party sources.

While Engadget is a reputable technology news outlet, the lack of direct quotes or statements from ASUS or Microsoft diminishes the authority of the claims made in the article. The story would benefit from a more diverse range of sources, including direct statements from the companies involved or insights from industry analysts.

5
Transparency

The article does not provide clear transparency regarding the origins of the leaked information or the methodology used to verify the claims. It mentions the sources of the leaks, such as Videocardz, but does not delve into how this information was obtained or verified.

There is also a lack of disclosure about potential conflicts of interest or the speculative nature of the claims. Readers are not informed about the uncertainty surrounding the leaked information, which could impact their understanding of the story's validity. Greater transparency about the limitations of the sources and the speculative nature of the claims would enhance the article's credibility.

Sources

  1. https://www.engadget.com/gaming/asus-and-microsofts-xbox-branded-handheld-appears-in-leaked-fcc-photos-123021510.html
  2. https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/xboxs-project-kennan-pc-gaming-handheld-leaks-in-new-photos-alongside-the-rog-ally-2
  3. https://www.tomsguide.com/gaming/handheld-gaming/asus-rog-ally-2-leak-reveals-what-xbox-handheld-may-look-like-and-it-comes-with-big-upgrades
  4. https://www.techpowerup.com/336464/asus-rog-ally-2-leak-confirms-amd-ryzen-z2-extreme-and-64-gb-memory
  5. https://www.technetbooks.com/2025/05/asus-rog-ally-2-xbox-handheld-rumors.html