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Gaming phones have usurped a significant share of the portable gaming device market. While brands like ASUS have gone so far as to make gaming phones like the ROG Phone 5 that offer gaming console-like functionality, the Nintendo Switch is still at the top. Its ability to be used both as a portable gaming device or as a dedicated console that can be plugged into a larger screen has made it extremely popular. While an upgraded Nintendo Switch is expected to arrive later this year, chipmaker Qualcomm is also reportedly working on its own game console with a Snapdragon chipset and running a modified version of Android 12.
A report earlier this week revealed that chipmaker Qualcomm had considered a handheld game console with functionality similar to the Nintendo Switch. It’s even suggested to come with detachable controllers like Nintendo’s Joy-Con. While the integrated chipset has yet to be confirmed, Qualcomm’s console might come with 5G connectivity, Quick Charge support, a powerful 6000mAh battery, and SD card support.
If it sees the light of day next year, it could run on Android 12. Running on Android, the game console would have a custom launcher suitable for games and could even include the Epic Games launcher for easy access to the game. Fortnite. The console is expected to cost less than $ 300, making it unlikely that a flagship Snapdragon 800 series chipset will be packed under the hood.
If Qualcomm dives into the handheld game console segment, we might see a viable alternative to the Nintendo Switch for reasons other than price. The NVIDIA Tegra chip that powers the Switch is old and has a relatively underpowered processor, even compared to most mid-range Qualcomm SoCs. Therefore, Qualcomm’s expertise as a chipset maker can help it deliver higher performance than Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite at a lower price point.
The biggest problem, of course, is the size difference between Android and Nintendo game libraries. The number of AAA games available on the Switch – both from Nintendo and third-party studios – far exceeds the number of titles available on Android. Still, the number of high-quality games on Android is increasing with recent additions such as Final Fantasy VIII: Remastered, Genshin impact, and Spongebob Squarepants: Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated. Android is also a much better platform for retro console emulation, which is admittedly a niche but has a growing number of fans.
What do you think of this news? Would you be interested in purchasing this product once it is released? Will Qualcomm’s entry spark interest in developing or porting AAA titles to Android? Share your opinion in the comments below!
Featured Image: Nintendo Switch running an Android 10 port
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