Japanese hardware company Tassei Denki has sparked interest with a groundbreaking handheld gaming PC prototype. Presented at the Tokyo Game Show, the device resembles a Nintendo 3DS and is powered by an AMD Ryzen APU. The company aims to offer a distinctive solution for gaming on the go, capable of running both retro and modern games. In this article, we delve into the specifications and potential impact of this intriguing concept device.

The Design Philosophy Behind the Prototype

Tassei Denki has recognized a stagnating trend in handheld gaming PCs, citing many similar or “identikit” designs in the current market. Aiming to disrupt this trend, the company has embraced a dual-screen, clamshell design reminiscent of the Nintendo 3DS. Notably, Tassei Denki openly acknowledges the influence, emphasizing the device’s compatibility with classic Nintendo 3DS games as well as a wide range of PC games. This acknowledgment suggests a deliberate effort to blend the old with the new, fueled by powerful AMD Ryzen hardware.

Detailed Screen Specifications

The dual-screen setup is one of the device’s standout features. Each screen is a 6-inch AMOLED panel with a 90 Hz refresh rate. According to the information available, these panels deliver 2400 x 1080 pixels and a brightness of 600 nits each. The high-quality AMOLED screens imply vibrant colors and deep blacks, essential for an immersive gaming experience.

The AMD Ryzen APU Inside

While complete details about the internal hardware were lacking at the Tokyo Game Show presentation, it is known that the device features an AMD Ryzen 5 processor. Specifics weren’t provided, but given the gaming focus, it’s likely that either the Ryzen 5 7640 or the Ryzen 5 7540 ‘Phoenix’ processors were chosen. These chips offer a balanced combination of Zen 4 architecture and RDNA 3 graphics, making them suitable choices for a handheld gaming device aiming to support both retro and modern games.

Current Market Scenario

Tassei Denki is entering a competitive and ever-growing market, with companies like GPD and Ayaneo already experimenting with various form factors. The clamshell design inspired by the Nintendo 3DS represents a niche but potentially appealing avenue. If Tassei Denki chooses not to move forward with this concept, the uniqueness of the design might inspire other companies to explore similar paths.

Considerations for Future Buyers

It’s crucial to note that the device showcased is still a prototype and was displayed in a trade show context. Hence, there’s no certainty it will transition into a market-ready product. However, the presented concept shows promise, and if it does make it to production, it will serve a unique and compelling niche in the handheld gaming PC market.

Conclusion

Tassei Denki’s AMD Ryzen-powered handheld gaming PC prototype, inspired by the Nintendo 3DS, is an intriguing development in the realm of portable gaming devices. Its dual-screen, high-quality AMOLED panels and powerful AMD Ryzen chip could set it apart in a crowded market. Though still a concept, its unique blend of old and new gaming capabilities makes it a device worth keeping an eye on.

By acknowledging the current market’s limitations and taking a bold design step, Tassei Denki may have set the stage for the next evolution in handheld gaming PCs.

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