The Nintendo Switch has been an incredible success, so much so that it spawned many similar devices from countless manufacturers. Interestingly, it looks like the next Nintendo Switch clone may come from Qualcomm, the maker of the chipsets found on most major Android devices.
Android Police reported today that Qualcomm is planning to launch an Android game console with a design similar to the Nintendo Switch. No images have been published, but the device reportedly has detachable Joycon-style controllers on the left and right sides, which will be manufactured by a “currently unknown premium vendor in the controller space”. The console must also have support for video output, 6,000 mAh battery, SD card slot, 5G connectivity and support for Qualcomm QuickCharge.
The console will run Android 12 with a custom launcher and full support for Google apps and services. Qualcomm is also reportedly in negotiations with Epic Games to include the Epic Games app on the console, providing faster access to Fortnite and other games that Epic may publish on its Android store in the future. However, Google reportedly pressured OnePlus not to pre-install the Epic Games app last year, so Google may not allow the app to be included on a console made by Qualcomm.
The current launch target is the first quarter of 2022, with a target price set at $ 300, suggesting that a recent Snapdragon 800 series chip is unlikely to be included. However, there is plenty of time in 2021 for Qualcomm to announce potential new chipsets.
We have been able to independently confirm that Qualcomm is working on a reference design for a Switch-type console, although we are not sure if this would end up as a product fully designed and sold by Qualcomm.
The alleged video game console could end up as the most promising Switch alternative if Qualcomm decides to launch it. Most of the existing Nintendo Switch clones are Android-based consoles from lesser-known manufacturers (like the PowKiddy X2) or x86-based devices that run full Windows 10 (like the Vastking G800 or Alienware Concept UFO).
Image shown: a modified Nintendo Switch running Android