It appears that images of ASUS’ upcoming Xbox-branded handheld device, codenamed Project Kennan, have surfaced online.

First detailed by 91mobiles and later noted by Eurogamer, two leaked photos — one showing a white model and the other a black variant — reportedly appeared via the Indonesian certification authority. These images were briefly linked to a (now removed) listing on the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) website.

Both units feature an Xbox-style button layout (Y, B, A, X), distinguishing them from PlayStation or Nintendo controllers. The black version is especially notable as it includes what appears to be an Xbox logo button positioned to the left of the thumbstick — although the 'X' icon itself isn’t clearly defined in the image. At this stage, technical specifications remain limited, so there’s no confirmation yet on performance capabilities or any functional differences between the two color variants.

According to Windows Central senior editor Jez Corden, these devices are “currently being tested at Microsoft HQ rather openly as we speak,” and he speculates that an official announcement could arrive around May 20.

Photos of Xbox's "Project Kennan" seem to have leaked. https://t.co/fQiMISNMJZ
— Jez (@JezCorden) May 7, 2025

Last month, ASUS Republic of Gamers’ X (formerly Twitter) account posted a teaser video offering a quick look at both a ROG-branded Xbox controller and a handheld system. The official Xbox account responded with a playful wide-eyed GIF, hinting at an imminent reveal.

This development aligns with earlier reports from IGN regarding Microsoft’s broader hardware roadmap, which allegedly includes a next-generation Xbox console slated for a 2027 release and an Xbox-branded gaming handheld expected to launch later in 2025.

Although this ASUS-made device won’t be a first-party Microsoft console, internal sources suggest the company is still planning its own dedicated Xbox handheld for release several years down the line. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer recently acknowledged that such a project remains distant.

Meanwhile, the successor to the Xbox Series X|S is now reportedly in full production and expected to launch within two years — a timeline that matches recent statements from Xbox president Sarah Bond, who confirmed that Microsoft is “moving full speed ahead on our next generation hardware,” aiming to deliver “the biggest technological leap ever in a generation.”