In case Nintendo bungles with the supply of its devices again, it's a good thing to know that there are some alternatives to the Nintendo Switch.
GPD WIN Intel Z8700 Win 10 OS Game Console
The GPD WIN by Wade Wang of China is a "laptop that [fitting] in your pocket" that is supposed to be "the world's first 5.5-inch handheld PC/gaming console based on Windows 10 system". In other words, it can perform everything that a Windows PC can do including internet browsing, playing music and videos, and using Microsoft Office.
The GPD WIN runs on Intel Atom X7 Z8700 processor and comes with Intel HD Graphics GPU, 4GB of RAM, 64GB internal storage, and a 1280 x 720 touchscreen display. It also has HDMI and USB 3.0 Type C ports and a microSD card slot. It can run for 6 to 8 hours on one charge.
According to Twinfinite, the GPD WIN can be bought through GeekBuying for $359.
SMACH Z/SMACH Z PRO
The people behind the SMACH Z are still currently looking for funds before launching full-scale production for the potential Nintendo Switch alternative. Its Kickstarter campaign from late last year raised €474,530 or a little over $500,000 which is more than their expected amount. The team from Spain has also raised more than half a million through IndieGoGo.
Described as a handheld gaming PC, the SMACH Z will have more than 10,000 games out of the box. That fact alone makes it a better handheld console than the Switch.
The SMACH Z also comes with AMD Merlin Falcon RX-421BD SoC at 2.1GHz, Radeon R7 iGPU at 800 MHZ, and 4GB (Z) and 8GB (Z PRO) of RAM. It sports a 6-inch full HD capacitative touch screen with 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution. The SMACH Z also comes with USB Type C and microSD slots. The battery lasts for more than 5 hours. The Z PRO is also equipped with a 5MP front camera.
Bluetooth Controllers
Another alternative to the Nintendo Switch is to just turn a smartphone into a portable handheld console using wireless gaming controllers. It is cheaper yet users can still enjoy almost as much as they would if they had the Switch.
Some of the more popular Bluetooth controllers in the market today include the CamRom Telescopic, Drone Evolution, ETTG G9023, PhoneJoy, and SteelSeries Free Mobile Wireless Controller.
These devices allow users to simply connect their smartphones through Bluetooth and play games using the controllers.
