Qualcomm’s upcoming new Gaming console doesn’t come with a 4G/5G modem

A few months back, it was reported that Qualcomm has a handheld console similar to the Nintendo Switch in development, and it was also mentioned that the console will support…

By Astitva Patle

May 28, 2021

3 min read

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A few months back, it was reported that Qualcomm has a handheld console similar to the Nintendo Switch in development, and it was also mentioned that the console will support 5G via a Snapdragon X55 modem. Now, new info has come in front of us that says the device won’t have a 5G modem.

Roland Quandt claims, Qualcomm‘s upcoming handheld game console will not have a 4G or 5G modem as it uses the APQ8350 (Application Processor) chipset and not the SM8350 (Snapdragon 888 Mobile Platform).

Remember the Qualcomm "Switch Style" console @MishaalRahman from @xdadevelopers and @AndroidPolice were talking about a little while back? It doesn't have 4G/5G modem. Based on APQ8350, not SM8350.
— Roland Quandt (@rquandt) May 27, 2021

We do not know if this has always been the case from the beginning of Qualcomm remade its decision and decided to not accommodate a modem. There is also a chance that Qualcomm may be experimenting with two versions of these devices which means the first report may not be wrong but another version of the same device with a modem. The APQ8350 should have an identical architecture to the SM8350 conserve for a modem, though it will have a Wi-Fi module for connectivity.

So far, we know the Qualcomm gaming console will have separable controllers, a 6000mAh battery with support for Quick Charge, a USB-C port, and support for display output. It will run Android 12 out of the box and also have the Epic Game Store pre-installed.

While having a modem will be a nice thing, we can’t rule out that mobile connection will surely have a crucial impact on battery life. The Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite both connect via Wi-Fi and manage to have a battery life of between 4.5 to 9 hours and 3 to 7 hours respectively relying on usage. If Qualcomm’s priority is its device having longer battery life, then it is understandable as to why it is not including a modem in the device.

Assuming that the device is not expected to launch until another year, there is a chance that some of these features may change as progress goes on. Nonetheless, we are eager to see what Qualcomm has in store for mobile gamers.

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