Qualcomm has been developing mobile systems on a chip and communication modems for a very long time, supplying them to the largest electronics manufacturers. At the same time, the American chip maker has never produced his own devices using proprietary technologies. It looks like the situation may change soon, according to new information from Android Police. Qualcomm is reportedly planning to enter the portable console market with competitor Nintendo Switch.
The Qualcomm console will feature a similar form factor to the Nintendo Switch: a thick design for an efficient layout with thermal headroom, a 6.65-inch touchscreen and removable controllers like the Joy-Con. The gadget will be based on the Android 12 operating system with a customizable launcher and full support for Google services, including the Google Play store.
Other technical characteristics (from the declared ones):
- flagship 5G Snapdragon processor;
- battery with a capacity of 6000 mAh with fast charging;
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, accelerometer;
- USB Type-C connector;
- expansion of memory using microSD;
- image output to an external monitor or TV.
Qualcomm’s current target is to release the console in the first quarter of 2022, with sales both direct and through partners. The estimated price will be $ 300 (it is not yet known, for a model with gamepads included and 5G or without them). The developer also intends to engage Epic Games studio to integrate the Epic Games Store and even launch its gaming platform. Perhaps, along with the latter, the cloudy Google Stadia and NVIDIA GeForce NOW will be available.
