Qualcomm May Launch a Nintendo Switch-like Console with Android for $300
Mar. 24, 2021Qualcomm is reportedly working on a handheld gaming console similar to Nintendo Switch. That’s according to anAndroid Policereportciting sources familiar with the company’s strategy. The console is said to equip the flagship Snapdragon chipset and run Android 12 out of the box.
Going by the report, the device will havedetachable joycon-style controllers on the left and right sides of the console, much like Switch. It appears as though the console will have a thick form factor, apparently for thermal and performance benefits. The report adds that ‘a premium supplier in the controller space’ will be responsible for designing and manufacturing the gamepads.
According toXDA’s editor-in-chief Mishaal Rahman, the console may have a 6.65-inch Full HD+ display. Moreover, the handheld consolemay support a fan for efficient cooling. Rahman’s sources, however, tend to believe that this could be a reference design.
The console may pack a6000mAh batterythat supports Qualcomm’s Quick Charge technology. Other details about the console include display-out capabilities and an SD card slot for expandable storage.
Coming to the software, the report says that the consolewill run Android 12 with a customized launcher on top. It is likely to offer complete support for Google Play apps and services. The company may also team up with Epic to offer the Epic Games Store app at launch. While Qualcomm has plans to build a content portal for this device, it remains to be seen if the company would partner with cloud gaming services for offering their catalog.
Subin writes about consumer tech, software, and security. He secretly misses the headphone jack while pretending he’s better off with the wireless freedom.
