Hardware Pimax Portal - a modular handheld VR hybrid gaming console system thing

[Veho]

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Pimax, known for their VR headsets, has decided to throw their hat into the handheld gaming ring, with their own Android based handheld device... but with a twist. Or two. Or several.

At its core, the Portal is an Android gaming handheld, with 5.5 inch, 3840 x 2160 pixel 144 Hz display, a Qualcomm XR2 octa-core processor with Adreno 650 graphics, and 8GB of RAM.
It also features WiGig for low latency HD wireless video transfer for game streaming from your PC, if you're into that sort of thing.
The core model preorders for $299. Options with a QLED/miniLED display and more storage are also available.

But that's not all.

The gamepad is detachable, and the main module can be docked into the (optional) Portal Dock, with 4K 120Hz output, turning it into a home console/entertainment system.

But wait, there's more.

The main module can also be strapped to your head using the optional headset adapter - Portal View, turning the headset and controllers into a standalone VR system. The gamepads slot into grips to turn into standard VR hand controllers that look like dildos with fencing guards Vulcan spaceships from Star Trek.
Five cameras on the device provide 6 degrees of freedom tracking and also 3D depth-of-field scanning and object detection, to prevent you from kicking a table or hitting a roommate.
The adapter offers three lens sets, to choose between wider fields of view with lower pixel density, or vice versa. The headset contains an additional battery, to extend total battery life.
And when docked, the cameras provide a Kinect-like functionality. The Portal likes to watch

But wait, there's more.

The handheld can be slotted into a slightly larger handheld, nesting doll style - the Pimax XL, a 2560x1600 8.8-inch screen, for 5.5 inches just isn't enough to satisfy you

The promo materials boast a list of other features but this was the general gist of the thing.

Spoiler: Big table of specs, features and boasts

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Preorders are handled on KickStarter, the product will ship in January 2023. Like many similar product launches, the device is already developed and manufactured, Kickstarter is only there to handle the orders.

We shall see how this one will fare.


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[trepp0]

If it was windows, or even Linux i would consider it. NEVER ANDROID FOR TRUE GAMING! That being said, i do see the potential for it and i love the new competitiveness in the handheld gaming market

 

[naxil]

a beast for retroarch and virtual gameboy emulation experience...
arm windows and arm linux its a possibility

 

[krakenx]

If it was windows, or even Linux i would consider it. NEVER ANDROID FOR TRUE GAMING! That being said, i do see the potential for it and i love the new competitiveness in the handheld gaming market

Android is a fine OS for gaming, with support for external displays, multiple input and output devices, etc. on par with Windows. High end ARM hardware is on-par with most x86 offerings too, and has plenty of power for even AAA games.

Just because most Android games are low effort casino simulating Skinner boxes with only touch controls doesn't mean that is all that the platform is cable of.

 

[subcon959]

Just because most Android games are low effort casino simulating Skinner boxes with only touch controls doesn't mean that is all that the platform is cable of.

No, but it's a pretty good reason to ignore it. Considering the huge install base you would think there's been enough incentive for it to take over mainstream gaming by now.

 

[Veho]

The platform informs the kind of games that will be developed for it.
The vast majority of Android devices are phones and tablets.
Their main focus is communication, and gaming is an afterthought.
The main input is the touch screen, and while they do support gamepads, publishers know that making people buy extra hardware will keep many away from the game (every little inconvenience costs you customers) so games are developed for the default inputs and gamepad support is tacked on.
So you design games for a device with janky controls that will pelt the player with distractions, not exactly conducive to long sessions of intense hardcore gaming, and that can't help but influence the end result.
That doesn't mean you can't make good games for it or that there are none, just that the overall trend is towards casual pick up and play titles.

No, but it's a pretty good reason to ignore it. Considering the huge install base you would think there's been enough incentive for it to take over mainstream gaming by now.

Define "mainstream", in terms of sales and revenue mobile games beat "classic" games hands down. Look at these numbers,it's ridiculous.

 

[Viorlu]

Looks cool! Too bad it runs Android :/

 

[Tweaker_Modding]

it runs android… meaning it can’t play my pc games which i would see this idea working really well with.

 

[Yavga]

I've heard rumors the device may have mmWave (60GHz) technology implemented, I hope someone may be able to confirm this, that may greatly improve its usefulness as a streaming device for PC (and other devices), essentially giving it the same functionality as the Peakdo Handheld, which is also on Kickstarter right now and has a partnership going on with Pimax.

 

[Kioku]

No, but it's a pretty good reason to ignore it. Considering the huge install base you would think there's been enough incentive for it to take over mainstream gaming by now.

I don’t know… with as big as some of the prize pools have been for mobile game tournaments, and how quality newer titles are becoming, I wouldn’t be surprised to see this happening soon.

 

[dragonmaster]

nah will pass it , they wont ship in january , 4k screen in 5.5 inch is a joke and wont be offering anything else except battery drain. adding up the import fees and the warranty probs it seems no great deal

 

[whitelightning76]

I do not like the joystick placements

 

[DinohScene]

Magnetic connect, fancy <З