When the new generation of handheld game consoles emerges, it brings with it more powerful hardware specifications and impressive performance. Gamers now have higher expectations of connecting various gaming peripherals to create a rich gaming environment and explore more possibilities. The desire for a fully immersive gaming experience signifies more freedom and choices. Therefore, for brands, what key risks should be noted, and how to set necessary acceptance criteria when proposing a Request for Quotation (RFQ)? Allion will share with you in the article.
Five Major Application Risks and Solutions for Handheld Game Consoles
Allion’s consulting team has compiled information on four popular handheld game consoles currently available on the market, focusing on their connectivity and expandability. Please refer to the table below for relevant details. By analyzing actual products on the market, we aim to provide insights into key specifications and application points to consider when purchasing, as well as highlight risks to be aware of during quality inspection.
■ Expansion Dock
The expansion dock enhances the functionality of handheld game consoles by providing various ports for connecting peripherals. It allows simultaneous charging, external mouse and keyboard connectivity, display output, Ethernet connection, memory card reading, etc., adding a lot of flexibility.
Out of the four handheld game consoles, only models B and D come with an original expansion dock. Although model A does not have an original expansion dock, it is still compatible with expansion docks from other brands.
■ Display Connectivity
Handheld game consoles not only provide personal gaming experiences but can also be connected to a display for multiplayer gaming sessions. Furthermore, once connected to a display, they can function as personal computers, allowing for web browsing, multimedia consumption, document processing, office tasks, etc.
Model C can only connect to a display via wireless casting (Chromecast), resulting in potential display lag and susceptibility to environmental interference. The other three models can connect to a display either via USB-C cable or through an expansion dock.
■ Wireless Capabilities
Wi-Fi support enables handheld game consoles to stream videos, access cloud gaming services, or download games. Model C is a cloud gaming console that heavily relies on internet connectivity. In scenarios with insufficient internet speed or high interference, the gaming experience may suffer.
Additionally, Bluetooth functionality allows handheld game consoles to easily wirelessly connect to Bluetooth gamepads, audio devices (such as Bluetooth headphones or speakers), as well as Bluetooth keyboards and mice for office work and document processing.
■ Memory Card Expansion
Handheld gaming consoles are equipped with card readers, allowing players to expand storage via Micro SD cards and install games onto them to compensate for insufficient storage space.
■ 3.5mm Audio Jack
Despite the ability to connect Bluetooth headphones, there is still a segment of users who prefer wired headphones. Therefore, the 3.5mm audio jack remains an essential interface for handheld game consoles.
Handheld game consoles excel in their ability to connect to gaming peripherals, but when used with various peripherals, the accompanying risk is compatibility issues, which significantly diminish the gaming experience. Therefore, based on consumer usage scenarios and feedback, the Allion Gaming Ecosystem Consulting Service Team has analyzed and summarized common issues:
- Expansion dock related issues:
- Unable to use the expansion dock
- Peripheral devices on the expansion dock behaving abnormally
- Abnormal display on external monitor
- Unstable Wi-Fi connection
- Bluetooth connection failures or intermittent disconnections
- Micro SD card damage
Issue 1 – Expansion Dock Related Issues:
The main issues fall into two categories:
- The handheld game cannot detect the expansion dock, rendering it unusable. Consequently, devices connected to the dock cannot be used. This is more common with third-party expansion docks not manufactured by the original manufacturer.
- Due to the variety of peripheral devices that can be connected to the expansion dock, special attention must be paid to compatibility issues.
Issue 2 – Abnormal Display on External Monitor:
If the external monitor or TV displays abnormal colors, noise, or no image at all, it is highly likely due to issues with the handheld game console’s graphics card driver.
Issue 3 – Unstable Wi-Fi Connection:
Inability to connect to Wi-Fi or unstable connection is critical issue for handheld game consoles. Since handheld game consoles often rely on Wi-Fi for accessing cloud gaming services and downloading games, poor network conditions can prevent gameplay. Additionally, cloud handheld game console like model C heavily rely on internet speed and stability, so poor network environments can prevent gameplay altogether.
Issue 4 – Bluetooth Connection Failures or Intermittent Connections:
Handheld game consoles often use Bluetooth to connect to gaming controllers or audio devices. However, if connection issues arise, it can lead to controller input delays or choppy audio output, affecting the gaming experience and enjoyment of game sound effects.
Issue 5 – Micro SD Card Damage:
Handheld game consoles are prone to overheating due to their powerful performance. When running high-performance games, the handheld game console’s internal temperature rises. If the handheld game console’s cooling system is inadequate and heat is concentrated in a specific area, it can potentially burn the user. Moreover, if the high-temperature area is close to the Micro SD card, there is a high chance of the Micro SD card getting damaged due to overheating.
These are common application issues in the handheld game console ecosystem. Early prevention can help users establish a good gaming experience and increase their trust in handheld game console brands. With our experienced team, Allion can assist you in saving time, reducing development costs, and avoiding compatibility issues with gaming peripheral devices throughout the product development cycle!
Faster, Easier, Better! Gaming Ecosystem Consulting Service
In the gaming industry, speed is everything. Allion’s professional consulting service will help you quickly establish a gaming ecosystem, develop precise development strategies, and tailor a comprehensive testing and verification plan for you. With our expertise and support, your product development journey will become smoother and more efficient.
- Quickly assist buyers in establishing procurement quality requirements.
- Rapidly build the gaming ecosystem.
- Swiftly obtain development verification strategies.
- Promptly receive verification plans.
- Improved and comprehensive verification plans.
- Enhanced and comprehensive user scenario testing.
- Professional issue isolation.
- Professional debugging support.
Faster：
With professional testing techniques and extensive experience, we provide you with rapid and accurate assessments, effectively reducing the time needed for design verification. Allion possesses over a thousand units of the most comprehensive and diverse types of gaming peripheral devices, ensuring the highest equipment and brand coverage to ensure the best quality control for your products.
Easier：
Through AI and automated testing solutions, Allion ensures that every verification assessment possesses the characteristics of “qualitative, quantitative, and reproducible.” Our services can assist you in improving product quality and overall performance more simply.
Better：
Allion has a professional technical team and extensive experience, knowing how to design user experience verification and utilize real-world scenario testing to ensure that your product performs optimally in practical applications. Additionally, we have long-term partnerships with various internationally renowned manufacturers, enabling your products to offer the best user experience within their respective ecosystems.
If you have any requirements or questions, please contact us.