Leaked images of ASUS' Xbox-branded handheld device, codenamed Project Kennan, have surfaced online, stirring excitement among gaming enthusiasts. The leak, first reported by 91mobiles and noticed by Eurogamer, includes two images of the ASUS ROG Ally 2, one in white and one in black, which were allegedly posted by the Indonesian certification office and linked to a now-deleted FCC listing in the U.S.

Both versions of the device feature an Xbox-style button layout (Y, B, A, and X), distinct from PlayStation's triangle, circle, cross, and square, or Nintendo's X, A, B, and Y. A particularly intriguing detail from the black variant's photo is the presence of an Xbox button, sans the traditional 'X', positioned to the left next to the thumbstick. While specific tech specs remain elusive, it's uncertain whether there are significant differences between the black and white models.

According to Windows Central's Jez Corden, these devices are currently undergoing testing at Microsoft's headquarters. Corden suggests that a public reveal could be imminent, potentially around May 20. This speculation was fueled by a recent tweet from Jez Corden:

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/Twitter account teased a glimpse of both an ROG Xbox controller and a handheld system. The official Xbox account responded with a playful wide-eyed gif, hinting at an upcoming official announcement.

This development aligns with an earlier report from IGN about Microsoft's broader gaming hardware ambitions, which include a next-gen Xbox slated for 2027 and an Xbox-branded gaming handheld expected later in 2025.

While the ASUS ROG Ally 2 is not a Microsoft-made console, Microsoft reportedly plans to launch its own first-party Xbox handheld in the future. Microsoft gaming boss Phil Spencer has indicated that a first-party Xbox handheld is still years away.

Additionally, the successor to the Xbox Series X, reportedly in full production, is expected to launch in 2027. This aligns with Xbox president Sarah Bond's recent statement that Microsoft is "moving full speed ahead on our next generation hardware," aiming for the most significant technological leap in a generation.