There are many Nintendo-Switch-style, Android-powered gaming handhelds on the market, normally accessible as imports on eBay or AliExpress. Some, just like the AYN Odin, are pretty well-regarded. Others, just like the Retroid Pocket 2+, are much less good, however they’re so low-cost that they’re nonetheless price shopping for for individuals who desire a moveable console for old-school sport console emulators. But it is uncommon for any of them to have backing from a significant firm, dependable {hardware} and guarantee assist, or clear software program replace insurance policies (past occasional Android model updates or assist from alternate Android distributions).

That’s why the rumors of a Switch-like, Android-based moveable from Logitech caught our eye. Originally teased by prolific leaker Evan Blass (and preserved by The Verge following a DMCA takedown), the hand held is certainly paying homage to a Switch Lite. It has 4 face buttons (organized Xbox-style with the “A” on the underside and “B” on the correct, quite than Nintendo-style with these buttons reversed), left and proper shoulder buttons and triggers, asymmetrical twin joysticks, a D-pad, and 4 different face buttons for numerous system features. But the gadget seems to run a personalized model of Android with full Google Play entry, and it appears to have built-in entry to Microsoft’s, Nvidia’s, and Valve’s sport streaming providers for moveable PC gaming.

Blass factors out that the hand held is probably going the fruit of a lately introduced collaboration between Logitech and Chinese tech firm Tencent. In early August, the businesses stated they’d “mix Logitech G’s experience in {hardware} with Tencent Games’ experience in software program providers” to create a streaming-focused handheld gaming console at some undisclosed future date.

While we all know what it appears like, we do not know the gadget’s specs, together with its SoC, its display screen dimension or decision, its RAM or storage allotment (it does seem to incorporate a microSD slot on high, nonetheless), or its battery life. A sooner chip would make the console value extra, however it could additionally permit it to capably emulate newer consoles just like the Dreamcast, GameCube, PS2, and Wii, whereas many low-cost portables high out on the unique PlayStation or the Nintendo 64.

And pricing will probably be key. The console may most likely afford to be dearer than among the $100-ish no-name Android consoles on the market, however it could ideally be fairly a bit cheaper than x86-based handhelds just like the Steam Deck. These consoles are bigger and heavier than most Android consoles, however they’re additionally way more versatile as a result of they’re highly effective sufficient to run PC video games instantly as a substitute of by way of streaming. They may also emulate newer consoles at increased high quality settings.