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Asus ROG Ally 2 and ‘Project Kennan’ Xbox Handheld Appear in US FCC Listings

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Asus is gearing up to launch the much-anticipated second generation of its handheld gaming console, the ROG Ally 2, with new details about its design and specifications recently leaked online. According to a listing on the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) website, both the ROG Ally 2 and Asus’s Xbox-branded handheld, codenamed ‘Project Kennan,’ will sport 7-inch displays with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The devices are expected to be powered by AMD processors, signaling a focus on delivering robust gaming performance in a portable form factor. Visuals from the listing hint at a fresh design direction, with the consoles resembling traditional gaming controllers to enhance ergonomics and gameplay comfort.

Further insights reveal that Asus plans to release the ROG Ally 2 in two variants, distinguished by color and hardware specs. Certification documents from Indonesia’s SDPPI website confirm the existence of a black model (RC73X1) and a white model (RC73YA). These model numbers also appear on the FCC site, confirming their authenticity. The black version features a dedicated Xbox button, though its exact functionality remains unclear. Some industry reports suggest that Microsoft is working on optimizing Windows for handheld gaming devices to improve the user experience, especially on smaller screens where traditional Windows UI can feel cumbersome.

In terms of hardware, the black variant of the ROG Ally 2 is expected to pack a powerful octa-core AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, delivering up to 36W of power, coupled with 64GB of high-speed LPDDR5x-8533 RAM. This combination is likely aimed at gamers seeking top-tier performance on the go, enabling smooth gameplay even for demanding titles. On the other hand, the white variant appears to be a more budget-friendly option, featuring a less potent AMD Aeirth Plus processor running at 20W, though details about its RAM capacity remain under wraps.

As Asus prepares to unveil the ROG Ally 2 lineup, the inclusion of a dedicated Xbox-branded handheld device highlights the company’s collaboration with Microsoft and its ambition to carve out a strong presence in the handheld gaming market. With enhanced hardware, high-refresh displays, and design tweaks aimed at improving comfort, these new devices could offer compelling choices for gamers looking for portable yet powerful consoles. Fans eagerly await an official launch date and pricing information in the coming weeks.

Microsoft Preparing Xbox Gaming Handheld for 2025 Launch, Plans Next-Gen Console Release in 2027: Report

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Microsoft’s Xbox division is reportedly gearing up for a significant push into the gaming handheld market, despite facing challenges in its console business. Since 2024, Microsoft has shifted its focus toward launching first-party titles on rival platforms, which has reportedly led to a record low in console sales in the US. However, Xbox chief Phil Spencer has emphasized that the company remains committed to its hardware business, and new reports suggest that the company is indeed preparing for a major hardware release in the coming years. Microsoft is planning to release an Xbox gaming handheld in 2025, alongside the launch of its next-generation consoles in 2027.

According to a report from Windows Central, Microsoft is collaborating with a major PC gaming OEM to develop the Xbox handheld device, which is expected to launch later this year. While the specific OEM has not been named, industry speculation points to well-known manufacturers like Lenovo, Asus, or MSI—each of which has already released its own gaming handhelds running Windows. The Xbox handheld, codenamed “Keenan,” is said to have a design unmistakably tied to Xbox, featuring a dedicated Xbox guide button, and will likely be built around Windows OS. This will allow users to access Microsoft’s PC Game Pass ecosystem and Microsoft Store, while also supporting other gaming platforms such as Steam and Epic Games Store.

The handheld is expected to be tailored for a seamless Windows experience on the go, addressing some of the criticisms that have been leveled at previous Windows-based handheld devices for lacking an optimized software interface. Microsoft has previously stated its intent to merge the Windows and Xbox ecosystems to improve the gaming experience for portable devices, suggesting that the handheld’s operating system will be fine-tuned for gaming rather than a standard Windows interface.

Looking further ahead, the report indicates that Microsoft is also in the process of developing a next-generation Xbox console, with the launch of the Xbox Series S/X successor targeted for 2027. While Microsoft’s console sales have faced some setbacks in recent years, these moves into new hardware markets show the company’s ongoing investment in its gaming hardware, which could set the stage for a refreshed gaming ecosystem in the years to come.