There have been several rumors that Samsung may release a foldable gaming handheld in the future.

The relative failure of the PS Vita has put handheld gaming on the back burner for several generations, but devices like the Deck, PC gaming handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally X, and the PlayStation Portal have revitalized the market.

Meanwhile, with devices like the Asus ROG Phone 9 and the best smartphone controllers, smartphones have found a way to function as pseudo portable gaming consoles. Interestingly, it seems that Samsung may be planning to throw its hat into the gaming ring with a dedicated handheld device.

In a recent report, Android Police collected four separate rumors that seem to indicate that Samsung is planning to release a foldable handheld gaming device; the first is from a recent post to X by noted leaker Jukanlosreve, who claims that Samsung “is planning to release a developing a Vulkan driver for Linux for Xclipse, and Valve is preparing ARM support for SteamOS,” he hinted. The report also mentions solid evidence that Samsung is considering a foldable gaming handheld.

It is possible that Samsung is developing this Vulkan-on-Exynos driver for its chip manufacturing division. However, a recently discovered patent filed by Samsung with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) may point to a different path. Patents don't always mean a great deal, but the combination of the three hints, plus Samsung's stated desire to get its hands on a game console in 2021, is adding fuel to the fire.

If Samsung plans to enter the portable gaming console market, a foldable display would help it stand out. For example, the Steam Deck OLED is a great product, but it is by no means portable. One of the strengths of older handheld consoles like the Game Boy Advance SP is that they can be kept in your pocket. However, competition will be fierce with rumors of a new PlayStation Portable and the Nintendo Switch 2, which is rumored to be released next year.

All of the rumors suggest something interesting, but it is worth taking all of this with a grain of salt. There seems to be some connection, but nothing concrete yet. But if it comes to fruition, it will be interesting to see if Samsung can find a place as one of the best handheld devices.