With the exception of the Nintendo Switch, major console portability has often come with limitations and reliance on third-party hardware. Previously, the PlayStation One was one of the few consoles to have a first-party screen attachment to make the console as portable as possible. This might not be the only smaller console to be afforded this luxury, however.
Gaems Inc. has often been a manufacturer of portable solutions for tabletop consoles. These cases, while protecting and providing a screen, speakers, and more, often come at a high price and are often bulky. Different shaped consoles would have issues fitting comfortably in an item like this, especially this generation. One Kickstarter project is looking to solve this issue.
Developing for the smaller Xbox Series S, Upspec Gaming is looking to create a well-integrated screen and speaker system for the console. The design and developer's website were posted to Twitter via Tom Warren, a senior editor at The Verge. The device itself will clip onto the back of the console and be powered through the console itself. This eliminates any extra wires that are typically found in other third-party setups. Weighing under 2 lbs also helps lend to the portability aspect. Pictures displayed show a sleek design, and due to the fit, it makes it look like a first-party accessory.
The screen will come in a little under 12 inches and will close on the console itself. This will create a unique laptop-like quality. Video and photos of the prototype have been uploaded to their website. Upspec is expected to go live with a Kickstarter round of funding starting in the summer of this year.
This device is definitely unique in the area of modern gaming. While most players prefer to put their content to the largest screen, the Switch has proven that the small screen is not a limitation for most. While this hardly makes the Xbox Series S a truly portable system, players will be able to have a separate screen in the event of gatherings or tournament play. The integration and lack of extra cables make it even more attractive for gamers looking to limit the tangle.
Early bird pricing is available for the screen system. Players can reserve theirs for $189 now, as opposed to when it goes live for $249. For players looking to take their Series S on the go, this might be the best solution on the horizon, leaving gamers to wait.
Source: Upspec Gaming