Tencent Unveils Gaming Handheld with Large Screen and High-End Specs, But Enthusiasm Lags

In a surprising revelation, Tencent, the tech giant from China, has partnered with Intel to work on an intriguing new handheld gaming device tentatively called the 3D One. This cutting-edge gadget is said to boast impressive features like a 3D screen, an Intel Lunar Lake processor, and a whopping 32GB of RAM, paired with a 1TB SSD. The design suggests that it might have detachable controllers, akin to the Nintendo Switch, and it sports a colossal 11-inch display, which is larger than the Legion Go. However, as of now, there’s no solid information about its launch date or pricing.

Yesterday, it came to light that Tencent has been toiling away on this gaming marvel with Intel providing technical support, as initially reported by IT Home, and then expanded upon by Wccftech. Diving into the use of innovative “naked-eye 3D technology,” this seems to be an experimental venture, as per a rough translation of IT Home’s original post.

In an interesting twist, a video shared by VideoCardz showcases the 3D One’s eye-tracking capability, indicating that the device might have some unique features. The video amusingly displays a young lad using the 3D One seemingly without looking directly at its screen, leaving one to ponder whether he’s engrossed in its 3D content or viewing something on a remote TV screen. If it’s the latter, it might function somewhat like the Nintendo Wii U, offering a dual-screen experience.

Looking closely at the specs that have been shared, the potential costliness of this gadget is evident. Equipped with the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 358SV processor and Intel Arc 140V graphics, the 3D One could deliver impressive performance. However, it’s not entirely clear how it’ll stack up against more common setups like the AMD Z1 Extreme APU, seen in devices like Legion Go, or the anticipated Z2 Extreme chip.

From images and videos, it becomes apparent that this handheld is massive, outstripping others like Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and MSI Claw, which have a standard 7-inch display, and even overshadowing the 8.8-inch screen of the Legion Go. The 3D One’s dazzling 11-inch 2.5K panel pushes the boundaries of portability, indicating a significant departure from typical handheld sizes.

Just like the Legion Go, it seems the 3D One will feature removable controllers and a built-in kickstand, allowing tabletop gameplay reminiscent of the Nintendo Switch. This setup could indeed offset the weight of such a substantial device.

In terms of connectivity, this device appears well-equipped, featuring two USB-C ports, a USB-A port, a microSD card reader, and a headphone jack. Additionally, there’s a toggle for switching between 2D and 3D modes, reminiscent of the Nintendo 3DS, which provides flexibility in viewing preferences. Moreover, a translated description suggests Hall Effect joysticks might be in play, promising precise, drift-free gaming.

Recent years have seen a growing popularity in PC gaming handhelds, although most manufacturers have cut corners to keep costs manageable. Even so, these gadgets remain pricier, as seen with devices like the ROG Ally, typically starting around $499.99, with occasional discounts.

Given its advanced specs and innovative features, the Tencent 3D One might eventually carry a hefty price tag, potentially limiting its appeal. While Tencent wouldn’t be pioneering 3D gaming, considering predecessors like the Nintendo 3DS had similar functionality, 3D technology in games hasn’t always maintained its hype. Many users ended up disabling the 3D effect on their devices, and concerns over young kids’ eye health led to modified products like the 2DS.

While I’ve seen some fascinating 3D monitors at trade shows, the technology sometimes induces headaches and doesn’t appear to be a long-lasting trend. Realistically, unless holograms advance dramatically, the 3D One might struggle to gain mainstream traction.

It’s not unusual for tech firms to engineer high-end concept devices that never hit the shelves, but purely serve to exhibit their technological prowess. From my standpoint, the 3D One fits this mold. But who knows? Tencent might just catch us all off guard and deliver something remarkable to the market.