Qualcomm gaming console: Android 12, flagship Snapdragon chip, and 5G connectivity planned for upcoming Nintendo Switch counterpart

A new player in the gaming console industry could join the market within the next year. Qualcomm, one of the largest smartphone chipset makers, is reportedly developing its own portable gaming console with a few smartphone features that might look somewhat similar to the Nintendo Switch.

Qualcomm gaming console might look much like Nintendo Switch

The upcoming gaming console was seen by Android Police through “non-final” design renders that suggest the device has a “strong resemblance” to Nintendo’s top-selling portable console. The device is planned to have a pair of detachable controllers on the side that the publication also compared to the Joy-Con. Meanwhile, the main body of the console is said to be bigger than an average smartphone so the extra space would avoid the processing system to heat up allowing the chipset to run faster.

Qualcomm is reportedly looking to use a Snapdragon processor, but it is unknown if the company would develop a custom chip or use its flagship mobile platform that powers premium Android smartphones. The gaming console is planned to launch with 5G connectivity, although it was not clear if a Wi-Fi-only variant is also in the pipeline.

Considering its potential release window, Qualcomm’s portable gaming device is expected to be shipped with the Android 12 operating system. That means the device would support Google services, including Play Store. But Qualcomm also reportedly aims to launch the device with support for the upcoming Epic Games Store app that could be a selling point for avid “Fortnite” fans. The same report notes that Qualcomm will release its own launcher for the gaming console while having an in-house digital distribution platform is also being discussed.

XDA Developers’ Mishaal Rahman weighed in on the reported Qualcomm gaming console adding that he had known of its “reference design” that sports a 6.55-inch screen. But the portable console could also be connected to a TV and monitor like the Switch. Rahman and Android Police both mentioned that the device would be powered with a 6000mAh battery.

Qualcomm gaming console pricing, release date, and availability

The upcoming portable console could be priced at $300 once it reaches the market. It is expected to be sold through direct sales via Qualcomm, but the company is also looking at partnering with network carriers in the United States. The current reported plan is to announce the device in Q1 2022.

It was not mentioned if the Qualcomm gaming console would be released worldwide. But the report expects it may come in a small volume noting that Qualcomm knows well it cannot rival the Nintendo Switch in terms of sales. Nintendo’s portable console launched in March 2017 and has sold more than 79 million hardware units as of Dec. 31, 2020.

Featured photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash