Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, as the saying goes. Whether that was what the folks over at Alienware were thinking when designing this prototype for a new portable PC is probably a question best suited for their Q&A.
They're calling it the UFO, and let the record show that it does in fact look like the Nintendo Switch's beefier cousin in almost ever aspect. The UFO features an 8-inch 1200p screen, detachable controllers that can be converted into a more traditional gamepad via an external grip, and the ability to be plugged into to an external monitor for stationary play.
The resemblance to Nintendo's handheld is striking, at least aesthetically, but Alienware appears to be focusing more on what's under the hood rather than a unique exterior design. In addition to its 1200p screen, the UFO sports a 10th generation Intel processor, 2 USB-C ports for Mouse/Keyboard connectivity, as well as built-in Bluetooth and Wifi connectivity.
By far the UFO's most significant advantage over Nintendo's handheld is its operating system, which, according to Business Insider, is just a regular ol' Windows 10 install. This means, in theory, one could access and play games on Steam, Origin, Game Pass, etc. While the idea of a portable Steam Machine is definitely an exciting prospect, the viability of being able to play Red Dead Redemption 2 on-the-go will ultimately depend on the UFO's battery life.
Adversely, the one thing that the UFO doesn't have going for it is an impressive first-party library of games, which is arguably one of the biggest reasons why the Nintendo Switch is so successful. Without exclusivity on its side, and only having access to the same games as say, Google Stadia, it begs the question of whether hardware is even necessary.
Perhaps any and all potential concerns will be addressed during Dell's livestream later today, where more details are expected to be unveiled.
