Foldable Nintendo Switch ‘Go-Cons’ let you carry your love for gaming no matter where you go

Tiny enough to fit around your keychain, these Go-Cons are the most portable Nintendo Switch controllers you’ll ever find!

Not that the current set of Joy-Cons ever had a portability issue, but that didn’t stop Liam de la Bedoyere from seeing how small he could make gaming controllers. Looking like something that 8BitDo would design, the Go-Cons are foldable puck-shaped controllers that open up into fully-functional gaming interfaces, complete with a joystick, XYAB buttons, and even shoulder buttons. Designed originally for an Instagram design challenge, Bedoyere (who goes by his IG moniker Bored Eye Design) found his concept getting a lot of attention from Nintendo geeks for its unique appearance and template. The Go-Cons fold shut when not in use, becoming almost like a tiny fidget toy for your fingers. Open them up, however, and the compact little device turns into a controller that you can use with any gaming console, or even your laptop or phone!

Designer: Liam de la Bedoyere (Bored Eye Design)

For comparison, above is how the Go-Cons measure when placed alongside Nintendo’s own Switch Joy-Cons. They’re ridiculously compact (even more considering the fact that Joy-Cons are compact versions of ergonomic controllers), however, the buttons are exactly the size they need to be. Bedoyere was careful enough to shrink the controller without shrinking the controls themselves, making it still incredibly user-friendly. Even though the controller’s designed to be small, it has a majority of the buttons required to be functional, and even has a USB-C port to charge it periodically (I honestly don’t know how small the battery pack would be on this)

There’s an aspect of delight when it comes to opening the Go-Cons. They’re small enough ti fit in your pocket, but pop them out and pop them open and you’re now ready to game! I assume there’s a locking mechanism for the controller so it doesn’t accidentally close on you while you’re in the middle of a mission, and given how tiny they are, one can only hope that they’re built to be incredibly durable.

While Bedoyere originally envisioned the Go-Cons to be Nintendo-specific, there’s no reason why they can’t be used with any other devices. The fact that they connect via Bluetooth makes them incredibly versatile, and it’s a wonderful way to play games with multiple players when your Switch has just 2 controllers. Just distribute as many Go-Cons as needed and you’ve got yourself a perfect multiplayer rig for anything from Mario Kart to Fortnite. If someone at 8BitDo is reading this, reach out to Bedoyere and make this happen, please!

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Nintendo Switch as an electronic music production kit uses modular Akai Pro MPC ‘Joy-Cons’

We’ve seen loads of Nintendo Switch concepts that explore the console’s modular design and motion tracking abilities, from Labo kits to even this absurd Joy-Con that turns the Switch into an augmented reality gaming device, but this is a pleasant first. Designed by Sydney-based Alquemy, who clearly feels the Nintendo Switch is capable of being more than a gaming machine, this unique set of modular controllers turns the Nintendo Switch into a one-of-a-kind electronic music production and deejaying station. Modeled on the Akai Pro MPC (a popular MIDI controller), these modules snap to the sides of the Switch’s screen, turning it into a deejay set. You’ve got buttons, knobs, keys, everything you need to control playback, and obviously a touchscreen surface that gives you complete control over the entire experience. Before I sing more praise for this concept, it’s worth noting that this Nintendo Switch Akai Pro MPC crossover is just that… a concept. However, if there’s someone at Akai reading this, you may want to just build out a prototype, even if it’s just for kicks! I’m sure there’s a small intersection between the gaming and the electronic music-making community that will ABSOLUTELY love this!

Designer: Alquemy

With two modules that snap onto the left and right side of the Switch’s screen, this music-making rig is quite literally a fascinating build. It’s a zero-compromise kit, with all the controls and ports you could possibly think of, while still being incredibly portable. The Nintendo Switch supports SD cards, which is perfect for storing music, files, stems, loops, and other effects on board, while the ‘MPC Switch’ modules let you map out all your controls on the keys and knobs so you’re ready to start mixing off the bat. All you then do is run the Akai app on the Switch and you’re all set!

What I find really remarkable about Alquemy’s concept is how incredibly detailed it is to the point where it begins making sense. Sure, it’s easy to look at the Nintendo Switch as a purely gaming-specific console, but what is it if not a tablet that’s connected to the internet with its own dedicated app store? The only thing stopping the Switch from also being a music-making device is just one thing – perception. And probably resources, but mainly perception.

The MPC Switch modules come with backlit keys for easy control in low-light settings. Speakers built into the sides of the modules help pump out music at volumes higher than the Switch is capable of, although you do have a whole bunch of ports on the back of the modules to hook up other accessories, plug-ins, racks, synths, and other instruments. You’ve got two MIDI in and MIDI out ports, a set of RC ports, and even two sets of quarter-inch audio ports for connecting speakers, headphones, guitars, etc.

The Switch has everything else you could possibly need. WiFi connectivity for cloud-based applications, Bluetooth for connecting to other peripherals, a USB-C for power or even hooking to your laptop, and a 3.5mm port for headphones because what deejay doesn’t wear headphones?!

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AYN Loki Mini wants to make handheld PC gaming a bit more accessible

PC gaming has taken on a new form in the past years. Although there have already been portable gaming PCs from Chinese brands before, it was the success of the Nintendo Switch and the arrival of Valve’s Steam Deck that spurred the creation of a new generation of handheld PCs, particularly ones that are clearly inspired by the Switch and the Steam Deck. Just like with their larger laptop counterparts, the prices and specs of these gaming computers vary widely, even if they look basically the same. Most of them tend to lean towards the more expensive end of the spectrum, but newcomer AYN wants to shake up that market a bit with not one but four Loki gaming PC handhelds to choose from, depending on your needs and budget.

Designer: AYN

When it comes to the design of gaming handheld devices, there isn’t exactly much room for deviation and innovation. Short of implementing removable controllers like the Nintendo Switch or a hulking “mini” laptop like some of GPD’s designs, the basic form these handhelds take involves flanking a screen with D-Pads, actions buttons, and analog sticks. The AYN Loki and its siblings don’t break out of the mold in this regard and actually look more like a Switch Lite than a Steam Deck.

It doesn’t stray from the staples either, which is actually part of its appeal. In a somewhat small package that has enough room for a 6-inch 1080p screen, you will have the basic hardware and features you’d expect from a handheld console, like analog triggers, a gyroscope for motion control, and vibrating motors for rumble effects. The one thing that the AYN Loki does differently from existing handhelds is to include some RGB lighting that will let owners pick from three different hues. It’s not as expressive as similar features on gaming laptops and desktops, but it’s an added touch that gamers will most likely appreciate.

The biggest appeal that the AYN Loki, particularly the AYN Loki Mini, will try to make is its price, which starts at $299 for that “Mini” model. All four variants will actually have the same basic dimensions, varying only in some thickness and weight to accommodate different hardware components. The AYN Loki Mini is only small in the sense that it has the least powerful hardware options, which might not be enough for anything but the most basic PC games. At that point, the Loki Mini loses its advantage over the $650 Steam Deck, but AYN also has other options on the table as well.

It’s still uncertain whether this new wave of handheld gaming PCs is just a passing fad or the start of something revolutionary. The Steam Deck mostly dominates gamers’ attention, but it is hardly perfect when it comes to execution. Valve does continually push out updates that improve the device’s performance and control, but some things like design are set in stone, affecting the ergonomics of the device until the next design iteration. There’s also the matter that the Steam Deck still offers one of the best balances between price and performance, especially since Valve worked with partners like AMD to optimize the hardware, something that smaller brands might not be able to emulate.

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JoyCon-shaped TV cabinets attach to the sides of your television, turning it into a massive Nintendo Switch!

Sure, you can cast your Nintendo Switch onto a TV, but can you turn your TV into a Nintendo Switch??

Rather succinctly named the Nintendo Switch TV Cabinets, these little storage units attach to the sides of your TV, turning it into a massive wall-mounted Nintendo Switch replica. Designed and built by WishIWoodWorkshop, the cabinets come built-to-order, designed to match your TV’s size. They’re made from a combination of wood, plywood, and MDF, and get finished with a coat of paint to make them look exactly like the JoyCons, complete with the joystick and buttons!

Designer: WishIWoodWorkshop

The cabinets come in two styles – with a hinged door on the front (shown above), and with drawers and shelves (shown below). You provide your choice of style (along with your TV’s dimensions) while placing an order. The Nintendo Switch TV Cabinets don’t come cheap, though. Clearly more of a vanity purchase than a practical piece of furniture, each pair of cabinets can set you back $750 plus shipping.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip with Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons is the crossover we didn’t know we needed

Echoing an aesthetic that’ll remind some of the Nintendo DS, this unique fan-made hybrid is taking Reddit by storm. Designed and built by Reddit user Mike Dubbz, it features a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip running a Nintendo Switch emulator but more notably, also comes with Switch Joy-Cons attached to each side of the device. Made possible thanks to a small 3D-printed module that allows you to mount all three parts together into a single unit, this ‘Frankenstein monster’ of the tech world is simultaneously weird and wonderful.

Designer: MikeDubbz

The build is rather simple (unlike this extremely surgical project that turned GameCube controllers into Joy-Cons) – it merely features a single 3D-printed holder that unites the two Joy-Cons with the Z Flip. Mike mentions in his Reddit thread that the Joy-Cons also didn’t need major configuring since they simply paired with the Z Flip using Bluetooth (the phone treated the two controllers as two halves of one single controller), and the emulator (DraStic, in this case) even mapped the controls out perfectly.

If you’ve got a Galaxy Z Flip and some Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons lying around, you’re in luck, because MikeDubbz is selling his unique intermediary 3D-printed module on Etsy for people to buy and use. Mike offers variants based on whether you’ve got the original Z Flip or the newer (and slightly thicker) Z Flip 3. The module also works with third-party Joy-Cons too, although Mike recommends using the originals. Sheer genius, eh??

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G-Case turns the Nintendo Switch into a Gundam-inspired gaming powerhouse

If you’ve ever wished you could push your Nintendo Switch to the limits, now’s your chance to armor it up like a super giant robot, ready to wage battle against idleness and boredom.

The Nintendo Switch is generally loved and looked up to, especially judging by how many have tried to recreate its magic. Case in point is the Steam Deck, which tries to bring Switch-style portability and flexibility to PC gaming. That said, the Switch isn’t perfect, and it doesn’t seem like Nintendo is keen on launching a new model that addresses owners’ pet peeves. Fortunately, arduous Switch fans at Plenbo have stepped in to give the handheld console an upgrade.

Designer: Orion Chen

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Nothing induces sweaty palms and frantic button-mashing better than realizing that you won’t have enough battery juice left before the next save point. Of course, you could try to scramble for a compatible power bank, but that means losing a few precious moments that could cost you your sweet victory. At first brush, the G-Case almost sounds like a battery case for the Switch, but that barely scratches the surface of what this innovative product can do to improve your gaming life, whether on the go or at home.

The G-Case is actually made up of a few modular parts, with the main body serving as the battery dock and kickstand. It is flanked by detachable Joy-Con cases that can also slide together to form a single but bigger controller, so you won’t have to bring along the official grip that comes along with every Switch. Those grips also hide card slots so you can bring your favorite games with you anywhere. And then here are the batteries, which do more than extend the Switch’s life. The detachable batteries have their own USB-C port, so you can actually charge your other gadgets from it.

Modular body.

Charge anything.

Fits any hands.

Handy Joy-Con grip.

The G-Case, however, is just one part of an ecosystem that Plenbo has created around the Nintendo Switch. Equally remarkable is the OneDock that removes any and all friction when trying to use the Switch in TV mode. The size of a large phone charger, the space-saving block conveniently connects to the Switch and a TV via cables while the OneDock itself plugs into any outlet. Its utility doesn’t end there, though, as the OneDock also functions as a charger and a computer hub as well.

The way the G-Case’s parts function together and independently might remind you of some futuristic armor or gear, and that isn’t by accident. Its predominantly white motif and red accents were specifically chosen to pay tribute to the popular giant robots of the Gundam franchise. And like those robots, the G-Case doesn’t just provide additional protection and comfort; it delivers a powerful modular system that promises to level up your Switch game.

Click Here to Buy Now: $69 $89 (22% off). Hurry, 168/1000 left! Raised $430,000.

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Steam Deck is giving PC Gaming a makeover

Valve wants to encourage anywhere you want to, but is it encouraging the right lifestyle?

Portable gaming devices are nothing new, with the likes of the Game Boy and the PSP or PlayStation Portable becoming household names in that area. Smartphones have also given birth to a multi-billion dollar mobile gaming industry that promotes gaming anywhere, any time. Throughout all these changes, however, PC gaming has still been limited to mostly stationary devices like laptops and desktops. Valve, best known for the Steam games marketplace, wants to change that status quo, and it’s taking a small chapter out of Nintendo’s book to make it happen.

Designer: Valve

The Nintendo Switch can be credited for reinvigorating the portable gaming market. Its unique combination of features, including the ability to be used with a larger screen, made it look like the only gaming console you’ll need, whether you’re out and about or just at home. In contrast, PC gamers still have the stereotype of being locked down to their desks or any other table unless they want to fry their thighs while using their heavy gaming laptops on their, well, laps. The Steam Deck, which is finally launching later this February, aims to bring that spirit of adventure to PC gamers by letting them take their favorite hobby along with them anyway.

Nintendo Switch it is not, though, with the Steam Deck easily dwarfing Nintendo’s current darling in size. Of course, that’s because the Steam Deck needs to pack in more hardware to support games that would make the Switch cry in pain. That, however, also means that it might be more uncomfortable to hold this device up for longer periods of time. And unlike the Switch, you can’t exactly detach the controllers to lighten up the load.

You can, however, put it down on any surface and use a Bluetooth controller, similar to the Switch. It’s still a lot more convenient than needing a lot of space for a laptop, not to mention extra space for a mouse. What the Steam Deck can do that the Nintendo Switch can’t is to be used as a regular PC, at least a Linux-based one. That last technical detail might worry some about compatibility with some Steam games that run only on Windows, but that situation is a lot better these days. Plus, installing Windows on the device is also technically possible.

This sounds great for PC users, especially Linux users, but there are naturally some limits to this proposition. More like a laptop and less like a desktop, the Steam Deck isn’t upgradable, and you’re stuck with the hardware you paid for. You can’t even expand the storage with an SSD and will have to make do with super slow SD cards. Unsurprisingly, there isn’t any commitment from Valve regarding repairability or sustainability, though as a first-gen device, that might happen in succeeding models, presuming it has succeeding models.

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Nintendo phone concept is a glimpse of a dream that will never come to be

Although it’s unlikely the company will ever go down this route, this concept smartphone is easily every Nintendo fan’s dream.

Although it is hardly Nintendo’s first handheld gaming device, the Nintendo Switch not only sparked the imagination but also drove sales sky-high when it launched back in 2017. Since then, the gaming giant has continued to milk that cow for all it’s worth, ignoring clamor for a long-overdue Switch Pro upgrade. Some Nintendo fans, however, actually wished that the company went smaller rather than bigger, bringing its iconic characters and titles to phones. Nintendo has sadly withdrawn from mobile games, but one fan tried to envision the best combination of Nintendo’s spirit and mobile technology.

Designer: Lee Huang

In terms of technical capabilities, Nintendo definitely has what it takes to make a Nintendo Phone. The Switch, after all, is pretty much a tablet with custom software and a very successful gimmick in the form of the Joy-cons. Nintendo could have also easily partnered with some smartphone maker for a “Nintendo Edition” phone, but that will probably pale in comparison to one that bears Nintendo’s iconic design language.

It’s easy enough to actually mistake this Nintendo Phone concept as a toy, especially with its use of soft pastel colors and round buttons. That’s precisely the point, though, because this is a handheld gaming device first and foremost, a phone only second. It might look out of place in a boardroom meeting unless you’re the type who will flaunt their inner gamer in any setting.

Those colorful rear plates are also the perfect palette for branding, like the special edition consoles that Nintendo and its competitors would occasionally put out. There’s also an opportunity for slapping on skins, of course, and you won’t be as hesitant to put a Pokemon-themed skin on this as you would a regular phone. There’s also plenty of room for accessories, including game controllers, given how more open phone designs are compared to something like the Switch.

The rather sad reality is that this concept will remain just that, a concept that will tickle Nintendo fans’ fancy and make them yearn for better days. Nintendo hasn’t had much success with mobile games for phones, and it might not have the capability to run an Android spin of its own. For now, Nintendo fans can take comfort in knowing that their community has no shortage of creative people who can share their dreams of things Nintendo could do but never did.

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This Nintendo Switch 2 foldable concept makes it the ultimate Android gaming tablet

Nintendo Switch 2 Foldable Android Gaming Tablet

Think of it as the natural successor to the Nintendo Switch, and the clamshell-style Nintendo DS before it.

Sure, Nintendo’s probably going to announce the Switch Pro console very soon, but entertain the idea of a world where the Switch isn’t just a console, it’s an all-in-one tablet and gaming device. Designed by Alessandro Cesa and Nicola Pizzato, this conceptual Nintendo Switch 2 device makes a great case for how the company can fill a pretty big void in the gaming tablet market. The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with a dual-hinge folding mechanism (sort of like the Microsoft Duo) that creates a gap in between the two folding components… a gap wide enough to dock the Switch’s joy-cons. Moreover, the Switch 2 even sports a sprawling folding display that turns it into a full-size tablet when open. You could hold it as you would a Nintendo DS, or open it out and play games on a larger screen with the joy-cons in each hand, just like you would with a Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo Switch 2 Foldable Android Gaming Tablet

We all know that the Switch runs on a customized version of Android already, which makes it really easy for the Switch 2 to be more than just a gaming device. The large touchscreen display is perfect for everything from playing Animal Crossing to watching content on Netflix and YouTube. The joy-cons, which sit inside the tablet like bookmarks, can easily be removed when needed, and used as either game-controllers, or remote controls. The fact that they sit INSIDE the Switch would probably indicate that they charge wirelessly, using a reverse wireless charging technology built into the tablet.

Nintendo Switch 2 Foldable Android Gaming Tablet

Nintendo Switch 2 Foldable Android Gaming Tablet

The Switch 2 tablet and controllers take on a rather familiar design, with flat edges just like the iPad. The joy-cons sport battery indicators on the side, and have a unique design where the main buttons and the analog thumbsticks sit below the controller’s upper surface, protecting the screen from getting scratched or damaged when shut.

Nintendo Switch 2 Foldable Android Gaming Tablet

To expand its tablet functionality, the Switch 2 even comes with its own docked stylus, pitting it against the iPad Pro as a serious gaming and productivity device. The stylus docks in on the right side of the tablet, while the left comes with a slot for gaming cartridges, keeping the analog appeal of a gaming console very much alive!

Nintendo Switch 2 Foldable Android Gaming Tablet

Nintendo Switch 2 Foldable Android Gaming Tablet

Nintendo Switch 2 Foldable Android Gaming Tablet

That hinge is perhaps one of the most interesting details on the Switch 2. It folds the screen with a much broader curvature, so you’re not left with that godforsaken crease when you open it up. The folded version of the tablet also creates a perfect gap to dock the joy-cons. The Switch 2 also comes with a single-lens camera, a 3.5mm jack, and a USB-C port for charging it or hooking it to a variety of other devices. The designers even created a two-part case for the Switch 2 concept, with iPad-style foldable panels that allow it to dock at an angle as you play games or browse the internet on it!

Designers: Alessandro Cesa & Nicola Pizzato

Nintendo Switch 2 Foldable Android Gaming Tablet

Nintendo Switch 2 Foldable Android Gaming Tablet

Nintendo Switch 2 Foldable Android Gaming Tablet

Nintendo Switch 2 Foldable Android Gaming Tablet

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