The handheld gaming market continues to evolve with innovative designs that push the boundaries of portable play. Chinese manufacturer One Netbook, known for its OneXPlayer line of gaming PCs, has partnered with design firm SugarCubes to create something truly unique - a transformable gaming device that combines elements of both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo DS in one versatile package.
A Transforming Gaming Experience
The OneXSugar Sugar 1 stands out immediately with its shape-shifting capabilities. At first glance, it resembles a standard handheld with a 6.01-inch main display, but the device conceals a clever trick - a secondary 3.92-inch screen that slides out and flips up. This transformation creates a dual-screen setup reminiscent of Nintendo's iconic DS family of handhelds, offering versatility that few other gaming devices can match. The controllers also rotate and reposition, allowing players to choose which screen sits on top during dual-screen gameplay.
Powered by Qualcomm's Latest Gaming Chip
Under the hood, the Sugar 1 runs on Android and is powered by Qualcomm's newly revealed Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 processor. This dedicated gaming chip features an 8-core Kryo CPU alongside an Adreno A32 GPU with ray tracing capabilities. According to Qualcomm, this new processor delivers significant performance improvements over its predecessor, with a 30% boost in CPU performance and a 28% increase in GPU performance compared to the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2. This hardware focus suggests the device will be targeting the substantial Android gaming market, particularly in China.
Performance Claims
- 30% boost in CPU performance over previous generation
- 28% increase in GPU performance over Snapdragon G3x Gen 2
Unique Control Layout
The Sugar 1's transformable nature has led to some unconventional design choices. Most notably, it features two symmetrical sets of action buttons instead of the traditional D-pad and face button layout found on most gaming handhelds. This design choice appears to be a direct result of the device's ability to flip and rotate, enabling comfortable use regardless of which screen is positioned on top. While clever, this departure from conventional controls might require an adjustment period for experienced gamers.
Build Quality Considerations
The innovative hinged design naturally raises questions about durability. As anyone who has owned a Nintendo DS or 3DS can attest, hinges on dual-screen handhelds can become a point of failure over time. The Sugar 1's even more complex transformation mechanism, with rotating controllers and a sliding screen, will need to demonstrate robust build quality to withstand regular use. The device's chunkier form factor might be partially attributed to reinforcing these mechanical elements.
Market Positioning and Availability
OneXSugar is positioning itself as an Android-focused brand under the One-Netbook umbrella, with the parent company continuing to produce Windows-based handhelds under the OneXPlayer name. This strategic division allows the company to target different segments of the growing handheld gaming market. The Sugar 1 is scheduled to launch on Indiegogo for preorders in May 2025, though pricing details remain under wraps. The device was unveiled at GDC 2025, generating significant interest among handheld gaming enthusiasts.
OneXSugar Sugar 1 Specifications
- Main Display: 6.01-inch screen
- Secondary Display: 3.92-inch screen
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon G3 Gen 3
- CPU: 8-core Kryo CPU
- GPU: Adreno A32 with ray tracing capabilities
- Operating System: Android
- Special Features: Transformable design with sliding/flipping secondary screen, rotating controllers
- Preorder Availability: Indiegogo campaign starting May 2025
Appeal to Emulation Enthusiasts
One particularly exciting aspect of the Sugar 1 is its potential appeal to the emulation community. The dual-screen design makes it uniquely suited for Nintendo DS emulation, offering a hardware configuration that closely mimics the original experience. This feature alone could make it a compelling option for retro gaming enthusiasts looking to revisit the extensive DS library in a format that honors the original hardware's distinctive layout.
Conclusion
The OneXSugar Sugar 1 represents a bold experiment in handheld gaming design, combining modern processing power with a flexible, transformable form factor. While questions remain about its durability, control scheme, and pricing, the device's innovative approach to portable gaming demonstrates that there's still room for creative hardware design in an increasingly crowded market. As more details emerge ahead of its Indiegogo campaign in May, gaming enthusiasts will be watching closely to see if this sweet-looking device can deliver on its promising concept.