The Nintendo Switch was an incredible success, so much so that it resulted in 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 in most flagship Android devices.
Android Police reported earlier today that Qualcomm plans to release an Android-powered game console with a design similar to the Nintendo Switch. No images have been published, but the device allegedly has detachable Joycon-style controllers on the left and right, which will be manufactured by a currently unknown ‘premium supplier in the control room’. The console is also expected to have video output support, a 6,000mAh battery, an SD card slot, 5G connectivity and Qualcomm QuickCharge support.
The console will run Android 12 with a personal launcher and full support of Google’s applications and services. Qualcomm is also reportedly in talks with Epic Games to include the Epic Games app on the console, which provides faster access to Fortnite and other games that Epic may publish in its Android Store in the future. However, according to Google, OnePlus put pressure on it not to pre-install the Epic Games app last year, so Google may not allow the app to run on a Qualcomm console.
The current launch target is Q1 2022 with a target price point of $ 300, indicating that a recent 800 series Snapdragon chip is unlikely to be included. In 2021, however, there is still plenty of time left for Qualcomm to announce new potential chips.
We could independently confirmed that Qualcomm was working on a reference design for a Switch console, although we were not sure if it would end up as a product designed and sold entirely by Qualcomm.
The rumored game console could end up being the most promising Switch alternative if Qualcomm ever decides to release it. Most existing Nintendo Switch clones are either Android-based consoles from lesser-known manufacturers (such as the PowKiddy X2), or on x86 devices running full Windows 10 (such as the Vastking G800 or Alienware Concept UFO).
Suggested image: A custom Nintendo switch running Android