Web3 is on the cusp of launching its first dedicated handheld consoles, marking the beginning of what some have dubbed a “console war” in the crypto realm. With the unveiling of Solana’s PSG1 and Sui’s SuiPlay0X1, these devices aim to carve out a niche within the already crowded handheld gaming market, long dominated by industry giants like Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony.
The PSG1, set to hit the market this month, is designed specifically for games within the Solana ecosystem and offers a nostalgic throwback to retro gaming. Priced at $329, the console features 8GB of RAM, 128GB of flash storage, and a sharp 5-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1280 x 1080. It also comes equipped with a built-in Solana hardware wallet, providing a bridge for users to interact with decentralized applications (dApps) within Solana. While it has the potential to emulate classic consoles like the PlayStation 2, unconfirmed reports suggest it will not support modern gaming titles from platforms such as Steam or the Epic Games Store. This limitation aligns the PSG1 more toward casual gamers looking for a retro experience.
On the other side, Sui’s SuiPlay0X1, scheduled for release in October, aims for a broader gaming experience, accommodating modern titles with access to Steam and the Epic Games Store. This console comes with a heftier price tag of $649, boasting an AMD Ryzen processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage—expandable for users looking for more space. Its aesthetics blend elements from iconic gaming handhelds, resembling a fusion of the Sony PSP and Nintendo Wii U, while also adopting design principles seen in contemporary devices like the Steam Deck and upcoming Xbox Ally. Preliminary footage has already showcased the SuiPlay0X1 running popular titles like Elden Ring, raising questions about how it will compete with established gaming hardware.
As Web3 gaming consoles emerge, they face stiff competition not only from established players but also from newer entries in the market. The anticipated Switch 2, for example, is undercutting the SuiPlay0X1 by retailing at $449.99 in the U.S. Additionally, Microsoft is launching its portable Xbox Ally, available in two configurations—one with 24GB of RAM and 1TB of memory, priced at $899.99, and a more affordable version with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of memory for $549.99. These options may further complicate the landscape for Web3 consoles, especially against cheaper, Android-based retro gaming devices that have gained traction in recent years.
Given the current gaming ecosystem, one wonders whether there is sufficient demand for dedicated Web3 consoles. Although they may carve out a loyal community, they must first deliver exceptional gaming experiences to attract beyond the early adopter crowd. As the Web3 gaming scene continues to evolve, both the PSG1 and SuiPlay0X1 will be closely monitored, with their success dependent on their ability to adapt and innovate within a highly competitive environment.
