Just when it looked like the path to victory was clear for the Nintendo Switch family of video game consoles, which is shortly to be joined by the Nintendo Switch Pro, comes the confirmation that a brand new Switch-style handheld is currently in the works.
And, no, while it might be natural to think that the console is the much-whispered Sony PSP 5G, it in fact is a new system from U.S. chip maker Qualcomm. Yes, you read that right – that's the same Qualcomm who produces the Snapdragon processors for the vast majority of Android phones.
The news, which was broken by Android Police, who "were able to view non-final images" of the new console, but not share those images, confirms that the Qualcomm console features detachable Joy-Con style controllers, a 6,000 mAh battery, a screen that is approximately 6.65-inches in size, and a core console body that resembles a chunkier smartphone.
According to the report, the chunkier console build is so that there is "added thermal headroom" in the console that means the Qualcomm processor powering the handheld can run faster and deliver much more power than a modern flagship phone.
The amount the Qualcomm handheld console apes the Switch even extends to the fact that it features display-out functionality that allows it to be hooked up to a TV or monitor for larger screen play, while an SD card slot will allow for expandable storage.
In terms of software, the Qualcomm console will run Android 12 with a customised launcher, and will support all Google's suite of services and Play apps. In addition, the Epic Games Store app is also slated for inclusion at launch, and there's the possibility that streaming services such as Nvidia's GeForce Now will also be accessible through it as the console is coming with a 5G modem.
As for a release date and price for this new Qualcomm gaming console, a price of $300 has been reported, as well as a release date of Q1 2022 – that means we are now within a year of this system launching, providing there aren't any delays.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Here at T3 we welcome any new competition to the Nintendo Switch family of handhelds, because as much as we love the BigN and its platform, competition is great for the industry and gamers. We're starting to see more handheld consoles released by smaller makers at the moment, such as the Win 3 by Chinese maker GPD, so it would be good if a major company like Qualcomm got involved.
Hopefully by the end of 2022 gamers will therefore be living in a landscape where the Nintendo Switch Pro, Sony PSP 5G and Qualcomm handheld gaming console all exist. We can but hope!
- Play the best Nintendo Switch games
Rob has been writing about computing, gaming, mobile, home entertainment technology, toys (specifically Lego and board games), smart home and more for over 15 years. As the editor of PC Gamer, and former Deputy Editor for T3.com, you can find Rob's work in magazines, bookazines and online, as well as on podcasts and videos, too. Outside of his work Rob is passionate about motorbikes, skiing/snowboarding and team sports, with football and cricket his two favourites.
-
The best gaming headset I've ever used hits lowest-ever price for Black Friday
This SteelSeries headset will elevate your gaming
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Forget Black Friday, F1 24 is completely free for a limited time
This top racing game has a free weekend
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
I sold my PS5 to upgrade to the PS5 Pro and it might have been a mistake
Do I regret it? Ask me again in six months...
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Apple allegedly planning major changes to App Store that make so much sense
Apple might be making a one-stop shop for its best games.
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Xbox rolls out the red carpet for Call of Duty with new accessories
Xbox has a bunch of accessory designs to celebrate the arrival of Black Ops 6
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
How to watch the new Xbox Games Showcase this week
Xbox's new online presentation is all about games, games, games – here's how to watch it live
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Playing games is good for you, it's official – well, one game in particular
Powerwash Simulator chills you out
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Your Xbox gets a neat new trick that could save a lot of time
Updates will finally be a bit easier
By Max Freeman-Mills Published