Samsung could make its own portable console

by

Key points

  • Samsung could develop a portable game console with a foldable screen.
  • The patent for this device was filed in 2022, but Samsung has not confirmed any details or plans for production.
  • A foldable screen could protect the device and make it more portable, potentially appealing to handheld gaming enthusiasts.



Electronics maker Samsung may be working on its own portable gaming console. A recently discovered patent indicates that this console could include the modern folding screen feature that Samsung has used in its Galaxy Fold and Flip phones.

While there were once multiple companies with competing handheld game consoles, the introduction of technologically advanced smartphones and free apps seemed to make them less popular for a while. The Nintendo Switch was one of the few popular portable gaming devices for a period of time, but has since been joined by systems like Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and PlayStation Portal. It looks like Samsung may see a future in portable gaming, based on this patent.

Samsung Evo Select SD card

Related

Samsung Evo Select 1TB MicroSD Card Review

Samsung is upping its storage game with a 1TB version of its popular Evo Select line of MicroSD cards.

As initially noted by 91mobiles, Samsung Display Co. has filed a patent with the World Intellectual Property Organization for an “ornamental design for electronic game consoles.” The patent includes several technical drawings of the device's design, which looks quite similar to a Nintendo Switch when laid flat. However, the unique element here is that the device appears to fold in half. When closed, the device looks a lot like a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, as it isn't as tall as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold.



Is Samsung planning a new gaming system or something else?

Outside of this patent, Samsung has given no hint of designing a portable gaming device. It's also worth noting that this patent was initially filed in 2022, so this project could have been reworked, delayed, or even scrapped at this point. While each iteration has arguably improved the design, users of Samsung's foldable-screen phones have sometimes reported difficulties with the hinges, which are a major component of the foldable-screen design. This could affect the company's interest in developing a gaming console, which often suffers abuse in the hands of younger users.


However, there are some significant advantages to the idea of ​​Samsung even designing a handheld like this. A foldable screen would help protect the device during transit, helping to ensure the screen doesn't get scratched. It would also make it more portable and easier to carry. While the Nintendo Switch is lightweight and fairly thin, it's also wide, so you can't easily put it in your pocket like you can with the DS line of devices.

Fans of Samsung and portable gaming will have to wait to hear more from the company. There's also the possibility that Samsung isn't looking to produce its own handheld and is instead designing this screen to work on another company's device. Samsung has reportedly partnered with Nintendo to produce OLED screens for the gaming giant, so it's not out of the question.

Leave a Comment