Has The Xbox Switch 2 Rival Just Revealed Its True Form?

It appears as if the much-anticipated Xbox handheld, codename “Keenan”, has been revealed by its maker, Asus.

Sure, as reported by our buddies over at Pure Xbox, Asus has dropped a slick teaser trailer for his or her upcoming ROG-Ally-styled handheld, which can carry official Xbox branding, buttons and — we’re assuming — a pleasant new UI that ties it into Microsoft’s residence console ecosystem.

It is solely a really quick glimpse, however the trailer (under) does give us a great take a look at a console that falls very a lot in keeping with what we have seen within the final two gaming handhelds from Asus. We’re undecided we have been in a position to make out a number of the rumoured options of the console from this advert, equivalent to a devoted Xbox button, just like the one discovered on the console’s controllers. Nevertheless, the very apparent flashes of the basic Xbox controller buttons depart no thriller about what we’re taking a look at right here.

Extra curiously, throughout a sequence the place a robotic character sits at a pc, we see a bunch of information telling us to count on “extra capability” in addition to a “recent look” and, maybe extra curiously, “sooner speeds” and “marathon stamina”. So, an Ally rocking extra SSD area, RAM, and a greater battery? We’re not foaming on the mouth. You might be.

pic.twitter.com/ONZpeEmNka— Xbox (@Xbox) March 31, 2025

Be aware the side-eyed response from the Xbox X account above, acknowledging involvement with none disrespectful nods on the timing of the trailer itself – if in some way you’d forgotten, there is a Swap 2 Direct tomorrow. In fact, Xbox will not wish to be beginning something greater than a little bit of playful banter with the massive N, as there might be any variety of crossovers or partnerships sooner or later between these consoles. But in addition, nicely, as a result of the Swap 2 completely instructions respect.

Nintendo consoles convey that massive shiny Nintendo seal of high quality, and the storied video games that its fanbase need together with it, which is one thing that the snazzy specs on these highly effective new handheld PCs should be cautious in competing with. For many who aren’t au fait with the ROG Ally, by the way in which, it is some of the straight-up highly effective handhelds at the moment on the market – you may try a really informative assessment of it over at Pure Xbox.

Put all of it collectively and this new console is definitely wanting like a strong new, Xbox-branded substitute for the ROG Ally, and Asus will know that with that branding, and with Sport Cross and a candy new interface, it is a console that would actually flip the heads of some potential Swap 2 clients. We do not suppose the advert’s timing is coincidence, as an example that a lot.

Taking into consideration this console will undoubtedly be packing critical firepower, a slick UI, and prompt entry to Sport Cross (presumably), and there is no doubt pursuits will probably be piqued, particularly in case you’re on a price range and searching for only one handheld going ahead this yr. It’s going to definitely be fascinating to see the place Asus lands with the value tag.

Nevertheless, for the discerning Nintendo fan, we’re undecided simply how a lot this new console really components into the yr’s plans. It is not going to exchange any of our present consoles in the way in which the Swap 2 will, that is for positive. We cannot be taking a look at it for large new exclusives, so maybe a direct rivalry could be prevented in favour of peaceable occasions and exquisite crossovers.

What do you consider the most recent Asus console? Would you take into account it a direct challenger to Swap 2, or is it a completely totally different beast that you just will not be contemplating? Ensure to tell us within the feedback!