Samsung could be working on foldable gaming handheld, new patent suggests

Highlights
  • The patent suggets Samsung’s gaming handheld could have a foldable design.
  • The folding design could make this handheld console more portable and pocketable.
  • The sketches show d-pad and other controls on the device.

Samsung is known for making displays for handheld gaming consoles like Nintendo Switch, but now it seems to be working on its own handheld. What’s even more interesting is that this Samsung console could have a folding display. Samsung seems to be expanding its expertise in making folding phones to this new segment. 91mobiles has discovered a patent of this Samsung folding gaming console which shows its likely design. Take a look.

Samsung foldable gaming handheld patent details 

  • We have spotted the Samsung gaming console patent on the WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organisation) website.  
  • Samsung Display Co. division has filed this patent.
Samsung folding gaming console design revealed in patent
  • The device has a flip-style folding design, much like the Galaxy Z Flip6. Such a form factor could help in portability. Gamers may not have to carry a separate pouch or carry bag for this and rather stow it into their pant pockets and play on the move.
  • We can see schematics of the phone in different angles and forms, viz., folded, unfolded, side, top, back, etc. Even from the side angle, in its folded state, the device does not look so thick.
  • It closes like a clamshell and we suppose the company will be incorporating the Flex Hinge from its foldable phone lineup. 
  • The display on top could sport Samsung’s Ultra Thin Glass found on the folding phones. This is for the foldability. There may be a protective film on top. It would be interesting how Samsung manages the crease, refresh/response rates and colours on this screen.
  • You could also spot the built-in gaming controls, such as circular joysticks or d-pads on either side and additional buttons integrated into the bottom portion of the device. 
  • While it is unclear if this design will ever see the light of day, it does suggest that Samsung is thinking about entering the handheld gaming market, where it isn’t a major player. Given its experience in foldable tech, this design does look appealing.

If Samsung plays its cards right, it could attract a price-sensitive gaming market in India which stays largely untapped. However, considering the prices of folding phones in general, we would temper our expectations. Let’s see. 

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