A New Competitor in Gaming Handhelds?
A patent filed by South Korean tech giant Samsung has generated speculation that the company is developing a handheld gaming console. The patent, filed with the World Intellectual Property Organization, unveiled a device highly similar to the Nintendo Switch but with the modern twist of a foldable screen.
The gaming handheld industry is already competitive, with the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch taking over the market. The possible entry of Samsung might introduce some innovative features, as one can expect from the company leading the front in foldable screen technology.
Foldable Screen: A Revolutionary Addition
This puts the foldable screen-as presently refined by Samsung’s Z Flip and Z Fold smartphone lines-of the proposed device front and center. Theoretically, folding allows for a screen to collapse on its own without sacrificing portability, but it is much less clear how that should benefit gaming handhelds particularly.
Images from the patent show recessed analog sticks and buttons flanking the foldable screen, but it’s not very clear what exactly those would be used for. While foldable technology allows for portability, what that truly means for gaming itself is yet to be seen. Gamers may question if the foldable design enhances game play or if it’s just a pretty face.
Partnership or Independent Venture?
Interestingly, Samsung’s patent does not necessarily mean the company is planning to launch its own gaming handheld. Instead, the foldable screen technology could be intended for collaboration with other companies. Samsung Display has previously partnered with Nintendo to produce screens for the Nintendo Switch OLED model, raising the possibility that this new technology may also be a component for an upcoming gaming device from another manufacturer.
While that is a great thought to have-a Samsung-branded gaming handheld-it is also just as likely that the company is working behind the scenes to better existing products for other industry leaders.
Challenges in Market Adoption
Another factor standing in the way of this foldable gaming handheld device: cost. The production costs for foldable screens are still extremely high, and devices with these features come at a great expense. This could make large-scale adaptation somewhat difficult, especially in budget-oriented gaming. Moreover, it does not seem like Nintendo’s “Switch 2” will either; even giants are skeptical of such a feature due to costs and practicality.
The Way Forward
It’s unknown if this will lead to a commercially released product. There are lots of innovative avenues the handheld gaming market could be taken, but any entrant has to walk the thin line between great tech and great pricing/functionality. Should Samsung make its move, the company will really reshape what gaming on-the-go feels like.
For now, all fans can do is speculate about what this foldable gaming handheld could bring to the table. Although the device is still a concept, it has already driven conversations regarding the future of portable gaming and how foldable screen technology might shape this landscape.
The gaming handheld industry could be in for a shift soon, but time will tell if Samsung’s ambitious vision comes to life.
Source: 91 Mobiles
Image: WIPO