Qualcomm is designing an Android game console similar to the Nintendo Switch
According to AndroidPolice, citing an informed source, Qualcomm is planning to release a portable game console. According to the publication, they saw an image of the novelty prototype, but so far, they cannot show it. The device runs on the Android operating system and has similar external features to the Nintendo Switch.
The game console from Qualcomm will be built on a Snapdragon series processor, will receive detachable controllers, and looks like a thick and massive smartphone. The reason for this appearance is understandable. The large size will leave more room for an efficient cooling system and use a more efficient, but at the same time, less energy-efficient processor. The company is also making use of the free space inside the console for a large 6,000mAh battery with Quick Charge support.
According to the source, to create game controllers for its console, Qualcomm is partnering with one of the leading gaming peripherals. However, the company is not named. The exact dimensions of the console itself and its display are also still unknown.
It is reported that the Qualcomm portable game console can be connected to TVs and monitors. True, it is not yet clear whether a separate port, for example, mini-HDMI, will be allocated for this, or whether the USB Type-C port will take over this function, which the console will definitely be equipped with.
The console will provide a slot with support for SD cards to expand the available space for games and applications. The console will run the Android 12 operating system and receive a special launcher with support for all Google Play Store applications and services. The manufacturer also wants to add support for the Epic Games Store and develop its own digital content store for its console. It’s unclear if the company plans to partner with cloud gaming platforms Google Stadia or NVIDIA GeForce Now.
Qualcomm’s current plans are to release the console in the first quarter of 2022. Thus, the game console will most likely be based on the new yet unannounced Snapdragon chipset. Whether this will be some specialized version of the processor is unknown. The upcoming novelty is also credited with a standard set of functions inherent in any Android device: support for Bluetooth, GPS, the presence of accelerometers, as well as a dual-zone tactile sensor. Reported support for the 5G wireless communication standard. Perhaps, along the way, a version of the set-top box will only be available with Wi-Fi support.
The price of the Qualcomm game console is predicted to be around $ 300. However, what will be included in this cost, and what version of the console is in question is not reported. They plan to sell the console directly to customers. Also, the company can connect American cellular operators to sales. The Qualcomm portable gaming console is unlikely to compete directly with the same Nintendo Switch in terms of production volumes. The manufacturer is not hoping for instant commercial success for its set-top box. Rather, the company wants to inspire partners to explore new form factors, as the line between mobile devices and game consoles is increasingly blurring.
Resource AndroidPolice turned to Qualcomm for comment, but they replied that they usually do not comment on rumors and assumptions.
