According to the resource AndroidPolice, citing an informed source, Qualcomm is planning to release a portable game console. According to the publication, they saw an image of the prototype of the novelty, 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 a more efficient, but at the same time, less energy efficient processor. In addition, the company is making use of the free space inside the console for a large 6000mAh battery with Quick Charge support.

По данным источника, для создания игровых контроллеров для своей приставки Qualcomm сотрудничает с одним из ведущих разработчиков игровой периферии. Однако его имя компания не называется. Точные размеры самой приставки и её дисплея тоже пока неизвестны.

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 will be allocated for this, for example, mini-HDMI, or whether the USB Type-C port will take over this function, with which the console will be exactly equipped.

Для расширения доступного пространства под игры и приложения в консоли предусмотрят разъём с поддержкой карт SD. Консоль будет работать под управлением операционной системы Android 12 и получит специальный лаунчер с поддержкой всех приложений и сервисов Google Play Маркет. Производитель также хочет добавить поддержку Epic Games Store и разработать для своей приставки собственный магазин с цифровым контентом. Пока неясно, планирует ли компания сотрудничать с облачными игровыми платформами Google Stadia или 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 kind of 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. In addition, the company can connect American cellular operators to sales. In terms of production volumes, the Qualcomm portable gaming console is unlikely to compete directly with the same Nintendo Switch. The manufacturer is not hoping for an instant commercial success for its set-top box. Rather, the company wants to inspire partners with its example to explore new form factors as the line between mobile devices and game consoles is increasingly blurring.

Resource AndroidPolice обратился за комментариями в саму Qualcomm, но там ответили, что обычно не комментируют слухи и предположения.