Tencent and Intel revealed a massive new gaming handheld with a unique feature, but it seems too crazy to actually go main stream

Tencent and Intel revealed a massive new gaming handheld with a unique feature, but it seems too crazy to actually go main stream

What you need to know

  • According to a report, Tencent has revealed a new gaming handheld called the 3D One that is being created with the help of Intel.
  • This device is rumored to feature 3D screen technology, an Intel Lunar Lake processor, 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD.
  • It seems to have removable controllers similar to the Nintendo Switch and also has a massive 11-inch display, making it larger than the Legion Go.
  • As of now, we don’t know when/if it will be released or how much it will cost.
  • OPINION: The specs on this experimental device seem far too premium and lofty to actually become a mainstream product.

As a tech enthusiast with over two decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen the gaming landscape evolve from simple 8-bit pixelated games to the immersive, high-definition experiences we have today. The latest rumblings about Tencent’s collaboration with Intel on their new gaming handheld, the 3D One, has certainly piqued my interest. However, after taking a closer look at its specs and features, I can’t help but feel a sense of skepticism.


Yesterday, it came to light that Tencent, a significant Chinese tech firm, has been secretly working on a new handheld gaming device. Reports from IT Home and later confirmed by Wccftech suggest that this device is being technically backed by Intel. Based on my translation of the original IT Home article, this seems to be an experimental product featuring “3D technology that doesn’t require glasses.

👆 A video posted by VideoCardz advertises the 3D One’s eye tracking feature.

The 3D One appears to have eye-tracking technology, as suggested by a video posted by VideoCardz. In the video, a boy is shown playing with the device without appearing to look at its screen, leading me to wonder if he’s focusing on 3D elements or if there’s a TV in the distance that he’s looking at. If it’s the latter, this gadget could work similarly to the Nintendo Wii U, allowing users to see some details on the handheld screen and other details on their television.

Due to its experimental nature, we’re unsure if or when this product will become available on the market, nor do we have information about its potential price point. At present, we only know some of its specifications, which appear quite expensive. The 3D One is equipped with one of the newest Lunar Lake mobile APUs, specifically the Intel Core Ultra 7 358SV and Intel Arc 140V graphics. We’re yet to determine how this configuration compares to the AMD Z1 Extreme APU found in Legion Go and ROG Ally, but it’s plausible that it may offer superior performance.

From the images and video provided, it’s clear that this gaming handheld stands out as quite large. Most portable gaming devices available today, such as the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and MSI Claw, feature a 7-inch display. The Legion Go is currently the largest, boasting an 8.8-inch screen. However, the upcoming 3D One is set to surpass even the Lenovo device with its enormous 11-inch 2.5K panel, rumored to support up to a 120Hz refresh rate. This device is significantly larger than most portable gaming devices, pushing the boundaries of what we consider a “handheld” device. The response time for this device remains unspecified at this point.

Tencent and Intel revealed a massive new gaming handheld with a unique feature, but it seems too crazy to actually go main stream
Tencent and Intel revealed a massive new gaming handheld with a unique feature, but it seems too crazy to actually go main stream
Tencent and Intel revealed a massive new gaming handheld with a unique feature, but it seems too crazy to actually go main stream
Tencent and Intel revealed a massive new gaming handheld with a unique feature, but it seems too crazy to actually go main stream

Similar to the Legion Go, the 3D One seems equipped with detachable controllers and a fold-out stand located at the device’s base. This feature enables playing in a tabletop mode, much like the Nintendo Switch, which should help counterbalance what I suspect will be the relatively high weight of this gaming handheld. It appears that there are trigger buttons on the rear side of the controllers.

Judging by the images, this device seems to sport two USB-C ports, a USB-A port, a microSD card reader, and an audio jack for headphones. Near the power button, there’s a 2D/3D Mode switch, suggesting that users can effortlessly toggle between viewing modes, much like they would on a Nintendo 3DS. Additionally, I employed the Google Translate app to decode some Chinese characters, and one image with a close-up of a joystick translated to “Precise Hall Effect rocker operation without drift,” indicating that it might be equipped with Hall Effect joysticks.

If this handheld releases, it’s going to be extremely expensive

Tencent and Intel revealed a massive new gaming handheld with a unique feature, but it seems too crazy to actually go main stream

Portable gaming devices for PC games have been highly sought-after for the past three years, but manufacturers often make compromises to reduce costs, resulting in these devices being quite pricey. For example, the ROG Ally retails for $499.99 initially, though it’s currently discounted to $349.99 at Best Buy.

As an ardent fan, I find myself in awe of the Tencent x Intel 3D One’s top-tier specifications and distinctive features, which, on paper, seem to outshine any mainstream gaming handheld available today. However, considering these premium aspects, I doubt this device will garner widespread popularity. The primary reason being its steep price point, but there’s another factor at play as well.

Tencent isn’t pioneering the concept of 3D gaming on a handheld device; this feature was introduced by Nintendo with their 3DS model, released in 2011. While it was an intriguing novelty, I haven’t met anyone who regularly played games in 3D mode. Most people prefer to disable it. Interestingly, Nintendo later launched a 2DS model aimed at younger players (age seven and below), as the company advised parents against allowing young children to use the 3D technology due to potential eye health issues. This could be why many 3DS games prompt users to take breaks from the device.

I’ve encountered several 3D gaming monitors at tech expos, and while I find the technology intriguing, it tends to give me a headache and doesn’t seem like a technology that will endure. If we ever reach the stage of creating true holograms, that would be a different scenario. However, as things stand, I’m not convinced that the Tencent 3D One and its 3D technology will become widespread handheld devices.

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2024-11-28 00:09