Anbernic Windows gaming handheld emerges with some strange design choices

It seems that Anbernic has another handheld games console in the pipeline, having released many retro consoles like the RG280V. The company's next device could run Windows though, which would be its first to do so. Anbernic has not announced anything yet, but five images have been published as part of a patent filing.

While the images do not show the unnamed device running Windows, there is a dedicated Windows button located beneath its Nintendo-style button layout. Presumably, this button will summon the Start menu when pressed. As the images below also show, Anbernic has included a switch for toggling between gamepad and mouse modes, plus a dedicated virtual keyboard button.

These shortcuts are side-mounted, which could prove troublesome when holding the device, a sentiment that applies to the placement of the power and volume buttons. By contrast, Anbernic has not included any buttons on the device's rear, but there is a 3.5 mm headphone jack on its underside. Also, the device has USB Type-A and USB Type-C ports, along with a recessed reset button.

Unfortunately, it is unclear when Anbernic will release its first Windows device. Regardless, it will face plenty of competition, with AYA, GPD, One-netbook and now Valve having entered the Windows gaming handheld market.

Purchase the Apple iPad mini 6 on Amazon