Samsung Patents Foldable Gaming Console: Pocket-Sized Powerhouse
Samsung has placed a patent on a concept that may excite gamers in motion. It is a small game console built around a flexing, foldable screen.
Foldable Screen, Dual Controllers: A New Handheld Design
Imagine a handheld device that unfolds vertically. This reveals a large screen perfect for gaming. According to the patent documents, this flexible display sits between two controller sections. These sections are packed with the necessary buttons and presumably analog sticks. Think of something similar to a Nintendo DS, but with one continuous, foldable screen instead of two separate ones.
The design renderings also depict speaker grilles on the top and bottom bezels. This implies stereo sound. A USB Type-C charging and data port and side-mounted volume buttons are also discernible in the drawings.
Small Carry, Large Screen Play
The market potential for attractiveness is clear. Folded, the device could be small enough to slide into a pocket easily, just as a clamshell phone does. Unfolded, it would offer a wider screen real estate than typical non-folding handhelds. This could challenge something like the PlayStation Portal in screen size. It would have the added benefit of portability.
Concept Stage: No Guarantees Yet
Do not get ahead of yourself, however, as this is just a patent. There are no technical details discussed. There is nothing said about the processor, battery life, or the type of games that it would play. Samsung patents a lot of ideas, and not all of them turn into products that appear on store shelves.
Future of Handheld Gaming?
Still, it is nice to see Samsung experimenting with new form factors for handheld gaming. Whether or not this folding console ever comes to be is anyone's guess. It is certainly something to consider.
