OnePlus GamePad: The Next-Level Handheld Console Unveiled

An intriguing leak has surfaced online, hinting at a new direction for OnePlus beyond traditional devices like smartphones, tablets, and watches.

Two reliable tipsters on Weibo have provided sneak peeks of a rumored OnePlus gaming handheld, with one of them being Digital Chat Station known for accurate phone leaks.

The leaked image showcases a unique OnePlus-branded gaming device with a robust build, prominent hand grips, and physical shoulder buttons.

The design of the device strongly suggests a gaming handheld, although the presence of rear cameras hints at a potential smartphone element.

Rumors from a Weibo tipster named The Panda is Bald suggest that OnePlus is working on an 8-inch handheld console powered by a Dimensity flagship processor.

While Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Elite processors dominate the market, MediaTek’s Dimensity chips offer competitive performance at a lower cost, as seen in devices like the Oppo Find X9 Pro.

Implications for OnePlus’s Future

Amid speculations about OnePlus’s uncertain future, the sudden foray into a new product category like gaming handhelds has caught many by surprise.

With Asus stepping back from the gaming phone market, OnePlus seems poised to seize the opportunity and cater to gamers with a dedicated gaming device.

Currently, Nubia’s Redmagic 11S Pro stands as a primary gaming phone option for 2026, showcasing a gap that OnePlus could potentially fill by emphasizing gaming features in its upcoming handheld.