Qualcomm, a technology company that develops hardware for mobile devices, is working on a Nintendo Switch-like handheld gaming device that runs on the Android operating system. From 5G modems to smartphone and tablet processors, Qualcomm develops technology that mobile companies like Samsung, Sony, LG, and Xiaomi purchase and put in their smartphones and tablets. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors are used in mobile devices of varying power and price range, but its Snapdragon 888 is currently being used in flagship 5G devices like the Samsung Galaxy S21 series of phones. Qualcomm also develops other mobile technologies like updated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips.
Nintendo has seen several Switch competitors since the system’s 2017 release, but most of them have been specialized gaming smartphones and tablets with a gamepad split down the middle, like the Switch’s Joy-Con controllers. The Switch’s more serious rivals have been cloud gaming services like Google Stadia and Amazon Luna that can stream games directly to phones, tablets, computers, and some smart TV devices. These services, however, have not caught on in popularity, partly due to the high-speed internet connections needed to stream games from the cloud; tech that is far from ubiquitous in most households worldwide.
Android Police, corroborated by Mishaal Rahman, reported that Qualcomm’s handheld gaming device looks eerily similar to the Nintendo Switch with removable controllers that definitely aren’t Joy-Cons, and the ability to connect to an external display. Android Police has images of Qualcomm’s handheld but cannot share them with the public at this time. The system will be a bit thicker than Nintendo’s base Switch model and have a slightly larger screen. The Switch competitor will most likely house a next generation Snapdragon silicon chipset, but it is unknown if the chipset will be custom-made for the console.
The hybrid console will run Android 12 and connect to the Google Play Store, and also to the Epic Games Store if Qualcomm gets its way. Like the PS Vita, Qualcomm’s handheld would implement cellular modems into the hardware, but there isn’t enough information yet as to if there will be Wi-Fi-only models or just a version that connects to Wi-Fi and 5G. Other technologies that Qualcomm develops like Bluetooth connectivity, haptic feedback, accelerometers, and GPS will be included in the device.
As far as distribution goes, Qualcomm plans to sell its product directly to consumers, but the company also wants mobile carriers to sell them as well. This could suggest that different versions of the console will be available based on which carrier is selling it. While Qualcomm is competing with Nintendo, it does not look to unseat the Switch in sales numbers. Instead, the mobile technology company primarily hopes to spark innovation with its new hybrid system. Qualcomm’s new handheld system is set to be released in quarter one of 2022.
Nintendo has a dominant hold in the console gaming space (especially when it comes to handheld gaming), so Qualcomm’s goals for its handheld are more realistic than if the system was planned to dethrone the Switch. The similarities to the Switch could be dangerous territory for Qualcomm as Nintendo will most likely go hard on the defensive to protect potential patent infringements by other companies. Nintendo doesn’t shy away from legal action when it feels like its property is being used or mimicked. Increased competition is always a good thing, because it forces other companies to improve. An upgraded version of the Nintendo Switch is rumored to release just ahead of Qualcomm’s console, so the arms race will probably ramp up later this year.
Source: Android Police, Mishaal Rahman
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