Key Takeaways
1. Recent Android gaming handhelds are shifting to more powerful chipsets, like the Snapdragon 865 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
2. Many handhelds still use older chipsets, while specialized gaming chipsets like Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 may not match smartphone chip performance.
3. The demand for portable smartphone controller solutions is growing, driven by companies like 8BitDo and Backbone.
4. A modder successfully transformed a Redmi K80 Pro into a gaming handheld, showcasing the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset’s capabilities.
5. The modded device features a 3D-printed case, modern controller buttons, and an integrated battery, though no guides for replication are available yet.
The recent surge in Android gaming handhelds is quite remarkable. In the past, many makers have chosen to use less powerful chipsets from Allwinner and Unisoc. However, companies like Ayaneo, Ayn, and Retroid have recently shifted their focus to more powerful chipsets. For instance, the Pocket 5 features a Snapdragon 865, while the Odin2 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, currently priced at $449 on Amazon.
Chipset Choices and Optimization
Despite the move to stronger chipsets, many still lag behind by at least a generation. On the other hand, specialized gaming chipsets such as the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 do not perform as efficiently as those designed for smartphones and tablets. At the same time, the demand for portable smartphone controller solutions is increasing, thanks to brands like 8BitDo and Backbone.
Merging Worlds of Gaming
In an interesting twist, a modder has combined these two realms by transforming a Redmi K80 Pro into a dedicated gaming handheld. Based on the Poco F7 Ultra that was launched earlier this week, both the Redmi K80 Pro and its Poco counterpart offer some of the most affordable options to access Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. Xiaomi claims that the Poco F7 Ultra even surpasses the Xiaomi 15 Ultra in performance benchmarks. The modder’s choice to incorporate small fans should enable the Snapdragon 8 Elite to perform at a higher level than what a standard Redmi K80 Pro or Poco F7 Ultra could achieve.
Project Details and Considerations
The accompanying video illustrates how the project utilizes a 3D-printed case and includes all the necessary buttons found on modern controllers, such as dual joysticks and shoulder buttons. Additionally, an 18650 battery has been integrated to enhance gaming longevity. It’s important to note that we advise viewing this project as a proof of concept for the time being; regrettably, the modder hasn’t provided any 3D print files or a guide for those interested in replicating the project.
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