You might remember the Razer Switchblade gaming console concept that was showcased at CES this year. If you do, you might also be pleased to know that Razer has announced they will be mass producing the device. Razer’s partnering with Chinese Internet company Tencent to bring the portable gaming beast to China and will ship with four games installed. They may also consider worldwide distribution.
Most video game consoles are banned in China, unless they are sold officially with Chinese distributors or homegrown, and Razer’s CEO Min-Liang Tan thinks that selling the portable gaming machine in China is a huge opportunity.
Innovative Design and Features
The netbook-styled gaming device runs Windows 7 and is powered by Intel’s latest Atom processor, the Z670. While it can be used like any other PC, it has been specifically designed for gaming. It is equipped with a 7-inch touch screen, which provides a vibrant and responsive display for gaming and other applications. One of the standout features of the Razer Switchblade is its programmable keyboard built over an LCD panel. This allows the keyboard legends to be changed from a standard QWERTY layout to a gaming configuration, with customized icons depending on what games are being played. This feature provides gamers with a highly adaptable and immersive experience, as the keyboard can display game-specific controls and shortcuts.
Potential Impact on the Gaming Market
Razer’s decision to partner with Tencent is strategic, given Tencent’s dominance in the Chinese gaming market. Tencent is known for its popular games and vast user base, which could help the Razer Switchblade gain significant traction in China. The inclusion of four pre-installed games will likely appeal to gamers looking for a ready-to-play device right out of the box. Additionally, the potential for worldwide distribution means that gamers around the globe could soon have access to this innovative device.
The Razer Switchblade could potentially revolutionize portable gaming by offering a device that combines the functionality of a netbook with the specialized features of a gaming console. Its compact size and powerful hardware make it an attractive option for gamers who want to play high-quality games on the go. Moreover, the device’s ability to run Windows 7 means that it can also be used for productivity tasks, making it a versatile tool for both work and play.
Razer provided no launch date for the device as yet, only saying that more announcements will be made over the coming year. As always, when any news comes to light, we will keep you updated.
The Razer Switchblade represents a significant step forward in portable gaming technology. Its innovative design, powerful hardware, and strategic partnership with Tencent position it as a potential game-changer in the market. Whether it will achieve worldwide success remains to be seen, but its initial launch in China could set the stage for broader adoption. Gamers and tech enthusiasts alike will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on this exciting development.
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