Forget the Nintendo Switch! Meet the console that lets you stream Xbox games on the move

The Nintendo Switch continues to be one of the best ways to play games when away from home but it could soon face fierce competition from a brand new rival. US technology firm, Qualcomm, is holding its yearly conference and one of the headline announcements is a purpose-built platform designed just for gamers.

If you weren’t already aware, Qualcomm is renowned for producing processors that power many of the world’s best known Android smartphones with manufacturers including Samsung, Oppo, OnePlus and Sony all opting to use Snapdragon brains.

Despite also branching into laptops and developing 5G technology this is the first time Qualcomm has dipped its toe into the world of consoles.

What it has planned certainly sounds exciting with the firm saying that its new Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 chip will allow users to play games across a range of platforms including Android, Xbox Cloud and Steam Remote Play. That will bring a much bigger catalogue of titles than is currently available on the Switch.

Not only that but gamers will also be treated to technology such as graphics at ultra-smooth 144 frames per second and glorious 10-bit HDR for improved colours and contrast.

The very latest 5G data speeds also feature allowing titles to be streamed at speeds in excess of 300Mbps – that should mean players can use the console without fear of annoying buffering when away from fixed-line broadband.

To showcase the new platform, Qualcomm has partnered with Razer to build the first Snapdragon G3x Handheld Gaming Developer Kit.

This device will give games designers the chance to give it a try and create titles that are compatible. It’s unclear when the hardware will become available to the public but it could be shops sooner than you think.

If it gets the same features as this early model, the Razer-designed console will feature a 6.65-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate for faster scrolling.

There’s also Snapdragon Sound Technology tucked inside for improved audio and, for more immersive gameplay, there’s a simple way of attaching your favourite monitor or TV with up to 4K resolution.

“Razer is extremely excited to partner with Qualcomm Technologies and support them on their way to introduce new cutting-edge technology to the global gaming industry,” said Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder and CEO.

“Together, Qualcomm Technologies and Razer will lead the way with new and innovative solutions that push the boundaries of fidelity and quality available in portable gaming, transforming the way these games are experienced.”

Expect more news on an official release in the coming months.