Key Takeaways
- Samsung may be developing a handheld gaming console with a folding screen.
- The patent for this device was filed in 2022, but Samsung has not confirmed details or plans for production.
- A foldable screen could protect the device and make it more portable, potentially appealing to handheld gaming fans.
Electronics manufacturer Samsung could be working on its own take on a handheld gaming console. A recently discovered patent indicates that this console could include the modern folding screen feature that Samsung has utilized in its Galaxy Fold and Flip phones.
While there were once multiple companies with competing handheld gaming 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 only popular portable gaming devices for a period of time, but it’s since been joined by systems like the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and the PlayStation Portal. It seems that Samsung may see a future in handheld gaming, based on this patent.
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As initially spotted by 91mobiles, Samsung Display Co. filed a patent with the World Intellectual Property Organisation for an “ornamental design for electronic games console.” The patent includes multiple 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 seems to fold in half. When closed, the device looks very similar to a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, as it’s not as tall as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold.
Is Samsung Designing a New Game System or Something Else?
Outside of this patent, Samsung hasn’t given any hints at designing a handheld gaming device. It’s also worth noting that this patent was initially filed back in 2022, so this design could have been reworked, delayed, or even scrapped by this point. While each iteration has arguably improved upon the design, users of Samsung folding screen phones have sometimes reported difficulties with the hinges, which are a major component of the folding screen design. That may impact the company’s interest in developing a game console, which often face abuse in the hands of younger users.
However, there are some significant advantages to the notion of Samsung designing a handheld like this, too. A folding screen would help to protect the device in-transit, helping to ensure that the screen didn’t get scratched. It’d also make it more portable and easier to carry around. While the Nintendo Switch is lightweight and fairly thin, it’s also wide, so one can’t readily pocket it like they could with the DS line of devices.
Fans of Samsung and handheld gaming will have to wait to learn more from the company. It’s also a possibility that Samsung isn’t looking into producing its own handheld, and could instead be designing this screen to work on another company’s device. Samsung allegedly worked with Nintendo to produce OLED screens for the game giant, so it’s not out of the question.
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