Thanks to devices like the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion GO, handheld PCs have become more common and accepted by the public. Although this horizontal arrangement is more game-oriented, it is not the only possible design, or even the best option. Other styles, especially the laptop-like clamshell design, offer a slightly different user experience but are a bit more flexible in functionality. Of course, just because it looks like a mini laptop doesn't mean it has to behave like one. This particular handheld console concept further extends its design to turn a gaming device into a lifestyle product.
Designer: Viet Doan Duc
ORBIS, the name of this design concept, is not the first clamshell gaming handheld on the market. Chinese brand GPD has been manufacturing such devices for many years, and more recently rival His AYANEO has also launched its range of portable gaming consoles, including one that attempts to recreate the Nintendo DS experience. Two designs were announced. But what ORBIS does differently is that it focuses as much on the features that allow users to customize the appearance of their devices as it does on the specs that make gaming computers so useful.
One simple but important example is how a removable ABS cover on the lid can be used to customize the look of the device while opening the door to branded accessories. You can also apply stickers just like you would on a laptop, but this system is more flexible and allows you to swap out covers depending on your mood and style, just as you easily switch cases on your smartphone. There's also his RGB lighting that surrounds the analog sticks, which not only improves gamer aesthetics but also improves visibility in the dark.
The ORBIS handheld takes a bit of inspiration from the Nintendo DS with its second screen just below the gamepad controls, but it also goes beyond what Nintendo's popular handheld can accomplish. Since this is a gaming PC rather than a closed console system, the touch screen can be used for various purposes, including a virtual keyboard. Yes, the typing experience is clunky and difficult, but it's much better than what's offered on Steam Deck, ROG Ally, etc.
Admittedly, some aspects of the ORBIS concept are a little too idealistic, such as the combination of an ARM-based CPU (not Intel or AMD) with a high-end NVIDIA RTX graphics processor. Fitting two 5,200mAh batteries into such a small and compact device is also unrealistic without considering things like thermal management and charging speed. Of course, as a concept, there's nothing wrong with shooting into the air from time to time. Thankfully, some of the ideas presented here are actually easy to implement. In particular, simply allowing owners to customize their devices can significantly improve the user experience. the contents of their hearts.