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MagyarQualcomm rumoured to launch a handheld gaming console in Q1, 2022
It appears that Qualcomm wants to throw its hat in the handheld gaming console market, according to a report by Android Police. The news comes just hours after reports of Nintendo working on the Nintendo Switch Pro emerged. Qualcomm's handheld console is expected to look and function quite similar to the Switch, complete with detachable controllers and a docking function that allows it to output video to a connected TV. It could be launched sometime in Q1, 2022.
A future Qualcomm chipset will power the console, complete with a 6,000mAh battery that supports the company's proprietary Quick Charge technology. While Qualcomm's in-house Kryo and ARM's Cortex cores should be enough to take care of the CPU side of things, Qualcomm's Adreno graphics won't nearly be enough to deliver Switch-like visuals. Micro SD expansion will be possible, too, along with 5G connectivity, for some reason. The console will run a custom version of Android 12, allowing users full access to the Google Play Store and other app repositories.
Qualcomm could even partner up with the Epic Game Store to bring the marketplace to mobile. Rumours about Epic Games coming to mobile have been around for quite some time, this could be a good opportunity for the storefront to make an impression on users. However, it'll take a lot more than Epic Games Store exclusivity to attract customers towards the seemingly unknown console. However, there is also a possibility that Qualcomm could scrap the project altogether
Qualcomm's mystery handheld console is slated to sell for US$300; a price that many would consider a tad high, considering that it is little more than a beefed-up Android tablet. One of the main reason for Nintendo's success is the suite of games it offers, and it is unlikely that Qualcomm will be able to match that. Nvidia's foray into the gaming console market was met with a lukewarm response. Qualcomm could very well meet a similar fate unless it has something truly spectacular in mind.
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