Tencent Unveils Gaming Handheld with Large Screen and Premium Specs, but Appeal Remains Limited

What You Need to Know

Tencent, a major player in the tech world, recently lifted the curtain on its latest gaming gadget—a handheld known as the 3D One. This fancy new device is reportedly being developed with Intel’s help, boasting impressive features like a 3D screen, an Intel Lunar Lake processor, 32GB of RAM, and a whopping 1TB SSD. Removable controllers, reminiscent of the Nintendo Switch, and an expansive 11-inch display are also part of the package, making it larger than other handhelds like the Legion Go. However, details about its release date or price tag remain a mystery. In my view, the features of this ambitious device seem far too high-end and extravagant to become mainstream.

Yesterday, this news emerged from Tencent, with reports first appearing on IT Home, which was then covered by Wccftech. Thanks to Google Translate, the IT Home article reveals that the 3D One is an experimental device utilizing "naked-eye 3D technology."

There’s a promotional video from VideoCardz that highlights the 3D One’s eye-tracking capability. The video features a young boy engrossed in gameplay without directly staring at the device’s screen. It’s unclear if he’s focused on the 3D visuals or if there’s another screen involved, similar to the dual-screen setup of the Nintendo Wii U. Such a feature could mean that the device allows split visuals between its own screen and a separate TV.

The 3D One’s specs are intriguing, yet only a handful are currently known. Alongside fresh Intel Core Ultra 7 358SV processors and Intel Arc 140V graphics, its efficiency compared to more common APUs like the AMD Z1 Extreme, found in devices like the Legion Go and ROG Ally, is yet to be seen. Whether it can outperform upcoming chips like the Z2 Extreme is a curiosity.

Another highlight is the handheld’s sheer size. At 11 inches, its 2.5K display with up to a 120Hz refresh rate puts it at the top end of the size spectrum relative to competitors. Traditional PC gaming handhelds, like the Steam Deck or the ROG Ally, usually feature 7 to 8.8-inch screens, making the 3D One a significant leap in terms of size.

Not to be overlooked, it appears Tencent has opted for detachable controllers and a built-in kickstand on the 3D One, allowing for comfortable tabletop gaming. The design points to release buttons on the back, suggesting ease of use for a range of gaming setups.

A closer inspection reveals two USB-C ports, along with a USB-A, microSD card reader, and a headphone jack. An exciting addition is a 2D/3D Mode switch near the power button, reminiscent of the feature on the Nintendo 3DS, allowing players to toggle between viewing preferences. And when translated, Chinese descriptions of the device imply the presence of Hall Effect joysticks for precision control.

If This Handheld Releases, It’s Going to Be Extremely Expensive

This powerhouse from Tencent, if launched, would likely set a new benchmark for handheld gaming devices—particularly in terms of cost. Recent years have seen a surge in the popularity of PC gaming handhelds, yet companies often cut back on features to maintain affordability. Even with these compromises, devices like the ROG Ally are priced at $499.99, although current discounts bring it down to $349.99 at Best Buy.

The 3D One, packed with top-tier specs and unique attributes, will likely exceed the price of any existing mainstream handheld. For this reason, I foresee it being more niche than widely adopted.

Additionally, 3D technology in handheld gaming isn’t entirely new. We saw this with the Nintendo 3DS. While intriguing, I never met anyone who stuck with the 3D mode for long—they usually ended up toggling it off. Nintendo even released a 2DS version for younger audiences, having advised against young children using 3D due to health concerns. This led to games routinely reminding players to take breaks.

In my experience with 3D monitors at tech shows, while fascinating, they can induce headaches and don’t seem sustainable as a long-term solution. A leap to true holographic displays could change that perception, but as it stands, I doubt the 3D One will achieve mainstream success with its 3D tech.

Often, companies build highly ambitious concept devices to showcase technological prowess without any intention of mass-producing them. I suspect that’s the case with the 3D One. But, who knows? Tencent might just defy expectations and bring it to market.