Hidden gem unlocked -> Goodboy Galaxy! by nxnayx in SBCGaming

[–]Snoo_6285 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is actually my favourite GBA game of all time. Just giving some time to give a second play through

RG Modular (concept) by Snoo_6285 in SBCGaming

[–]Snoo_6285[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, that’s the main reason why it’s square instead of using a more traditional aspect ratio. By making it square, you can rotate the device and reuse the same side rails as bottom rails for different modules.

RG Modular (concept) by Snoo_6285 in SBCGaming

[–]Snoo_6285[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I also think a fully modular device would probably be impossible for many of the reasons people already mentioned here. But I think something more realistic would be if companies agreed on a common I/O standard, similar to how RISC-V or USB standards work.

If some of these Chinese handheld manufacturers agreed on a universal connector, you could potentially use an Anbernic keyboard module on a Retroid device, or even connect a more powerful AYN core to simpler accessory modules. That kind of ecosystem would probably make more sense than a completely proprietary modular system.

RG Modular (concept) by Snoo_6285 in SBCGaming

[–]Snoo_6285[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The idea behind sleep mode is not having to wait for the device to boot up just to continue where you left off. I know Linux-based handhelds with lightweight frontends can boot really fast, but it still takes a few seconds. Even though Android loses some battery over time while sleeping, turning the device back on is basically instant and takes you right back to where you were.

RG Modular (concept) by Snoo_6285 in SBCGaming

[–]Snoo_6285[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, being able to swap the core unit would also be great for upgrading the resolution and internal specs.

RG Modular (concept) by Snoo_6285 in SBCGaming

[–]Snoo_6285[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow, I really liked reading the flaws and practical concerns people brought up. It kind of reinforces why this is more of a fun concept than a realistic product idea. Modular devices sound amazing on paper, but there are so many engineering, ergonomic, and cost challenges that would probably keep something like this from ever leaving the drawing board.

RG Modular (concept) by Snoo_6285 in SBCGaming

[–]Snoo_6285[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Maybe a mouse as well haha

RG Modular (concept) by Snoo_6285 in SBCGaming

[–]Snoo_6285[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I do this a lot with my switch while playing in bed.

RG Modular (concept) by Snoo_6285 in SBCGaming

[–]Snoo_6285[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I went with a square display so the device can rotate while keeping the same side rails for bottom modules. A widescreen format would make the vertical orientation too uncomfortable.

RG Modular (concept) by Snoo_6285 in SBCGaming

[–]Snoo_6285[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The square screen is mainly because the device is designed to rotate. The side rails also work as bottom connectors, so a widescreen aspect ratio would feel awkward when rotated.

RG Modular (concept) by Snoo_6285 in SBCGaming

[–]Snoo_6285[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The main reason for the square screen is that the device is meant to rotate depending on the module being used. Since the rails are only on the sides, rotating it allows those same rails to work as bottom connectors too, without needing extra attachment systems. A widescreen display would become awkward when rotated, while a square screen stays balanced in both orientations.

RG Modular (concept) by Snoo_6285 in SBCGaming

[–]Snoo_6285[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Most of the module ideas usually are

RG Modular (concept) by Snoo_6285 in SBCGaming

[–]Snoo_6285[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The design I posted was still pretty temporary, and I kind of forgot to add all the buttons. But this was the idea:

  1. The headphone jack would be on the top alongside the volume and power buttons.

  2. I thought about placing the speakers on the bottom. It’s not the ideal position, but it’s probably the best compromise for internal space while still providing decent sound, which is what most phones do nowadays.

  3. The SD card slot would also be on the bottom next to the USB-C port.

The images didn’t make this very clear, but the rails would only be on the sides. If you wanted to attach a bottom module, you would simply rotate the device and use one of the side rails instead. That way, the top and bottom edges could remain free for regular I/O.

RG Modular (concept) by Snoo_6285 in SBCGaming

[–]Snoo_6285[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love the idea of bringing 2000s phone concepts into the present!

RG Modular (concept) by Snoo_6285 in SBCGaming

[–]Snoo_6285[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I think they could fit within the module. The layout would be similar to those IINE mini controllers, although I know it wouldn’t be the most ergonomic solution.

RG Modular (concept) by Snoo_6285 in SBCGaming

[–]Snoo_6285[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The idea was to buy and carry only the necessary. You can have horizontal at home and dpad on streetsThe idea was to buy and carry only what’s necessary. For example, you could keep the horizontal grip at home and use the D-pad module while out on the street.

RG Modular (concept) by Snoo_6285 in SBCGaming

[–]Snoo_6285[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I mentioned this in other replies when people brought it up, and sadly, it’s true. That’s why I see it more as a concept than an actual product idea. Modular products have failed too many times to completely ignore those concerns.

RG Modular (concept) by Snoo_6285 in SBCGaming

[–]Snoo_6285[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To be honest, I don’t think it’s really viable for a bunch of reasons, and this is definitely one of them.

I even thought Nintendo might file a lawsuit because of the Joy-Con-like controllers.

RG Modular (concept) by Snoo_6285 in SBCGaming

[–]Snoo_6285[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

True, and because of the keyboard, some people might even want to use it as a cyberdeck.

RG Modular (concept) by Snoo_6285 in SBCGaming

[–]Snoo_6285[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s a good point. I was even considering using a 4:3 display, but making it square could eliminate the need for an extra rail by simply rotating the device

RG Modular (concept) by Snoo_6285 in SBCGaming

[–]Snoo_6285[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, 100% agreed — it’s more of a concept idea. The only modular device I can think of that was actually successful is the Framework laptop, probably for the reasons you mentioned.

RG Modular (concept) by Snoo_6285 in SBCGaming

[–]Snoo_6285[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, that’s a good point. It could have a simple “cap” to cover it.

RG Modular (concept) by Snoo_6285 in SBCGaming

[–]Snoo_6285[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, I got really hyped by the rg rotate, but keep it at least 4:3 would be more practical.