Mysten Labs, the pioneering force behind the Sui blockchain, has announced a groundbreaking venture into the gaming hardware market. Collaborating with Playtron, they've unveiled the SuiPlay 0X1, a versatile gaming handheld set to redefine the gaming landscape.

The announcement was made during the Sui Basecamp event in Paris, a gathering for the web3 community, amid the Paris Blockchain Week. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about Playtron's SuiPlay 0X1, and how this open gaming handheld will support multiple game stores and native web3 integration. 

Web3 Gaming Handheld

Powered by Playtron's device-agnostic gaming operating system, PlaytronOS, the SuiPlay 0X1 boasts compatibility with various hardware configurations, akin to the open structure of Android. Kirt McMaster, CEO of Playtron, described the device as a move to liberate the PC gaming ecosystem from Windows, enabling seamless access to multiple game stores, including Steam, Epic Games Store, and Gog, all within a unified launcher.

“We’re building a new gaming operating system right to open up the PC. Effectively, we’re attempting to extract the PC gaming ecosystem from Windows and recontextualize in our own operating system,” Kirt McMaster said. “That gives users the access to all of the stores, Steam, Epic Games Store, Gog, etc. But all in a single launcher. You can sign in with your Steam account. You can sign in with your Epic Games account. All your games will appear in a single launcher. They’ll work in a single operating system.”

One of the most distinctive features of the SuiPlay 0X1 is its native web3 capabilities, a first in the handheld gaming console market. Adeniyi Abiodun, Chief Product Officer at Mysten Labs, highlighted the device's integration with Sui blockchain technology through zkLogin and Sui Kiosk SDKs, revolutionizing asset ownership within the gaming industry.

“The quicker we’re able to get mass market engagement with blockchain technologies, engaging with web3 games, just using digital currencies for buying existing games and cosmetics, etc., the better it is, it’s going to be for everyone,” said Abiodun.

Crypto Integrations

While the pricing of the device remains undisclosed, speculations suggest it could be priced around $500. The device's potential for cryptocurrency mining has also sparked interest among enthusiasts, although practical implementation remains speculative.

Adeniyi Abiodun, stated: “We’ve been looking at how we go to market with this, but we think you have to have a device that makes sense, where people can actually value the utility and all the benefits that they can get of ownership, incentives and how they can have a better ownership experience around everything they do online.”

With a vision to create a mass market for web3 games, Mysten Labs aims to bridge the gap between traditional gaming ecosystems and the emerging web3 landscape. Developers need not build specifically for Playtron, as the device supports popular game distribution platforms and hardware configurations seamlessly. However, deeper integration with Sui wallets and addresses offers developers unique opportunities for enhanced user experiences.

“The Sui folks have a very large and compelling thesis around gaming. And I think we can all agree that gaming and digital currency mixed crypto just makes a lot of sense,” McMaster said. “There are some really compelling use cases. The big one, though, is just getting the mainstream in the mass market onboarded. Playtron is essentially going after the mass market handheld opportunity.”

Blockchain and Gaming

The device's architecture, possibly based on Advanced Micro Devices technology, underscores its commitment to versatility and performance. McMaster envisions a future where the SuiPlay 0X1 serves as the foundation for a diverse array of gaming experiences, reminiscent of the unified approach of Android in the mobile market.

The announcement comes amidst a growing trend towards blockchain integration in gaming, with initiatives like Solana's mobile smartphone and Ordz Games' Bitcoin-enabled BitBoy gaming handheld gaining attention. McMaster and Abiodun emphasize the accessibility and utility of the SuiPlay 0X1, envisioning a future where crypto adoption in gaming is seamless and empowering for users.

“We’d like to think this is the first of many devices to come,” McMaster said. “We’re building a model like Android. Everything is unified. Your Steam game is going to sit beside your Epic game. And we’re going to do direct publishing to the launcher. We’re effectively turning a PC into a console.”

Final Thoughts

In adherence to ethical standards, McMaster and Abiodun assure users that illegal activities will not be condoned on the platform, aiming to foster a gaming environment that is inclusive and wholesome.

“We want to build something for gamers. That’s wholesome. But there are some games that might be controversial, but who are we to decide how people will spend their time doing what they want to do? If they’re not hurting anybody, and it’s legal, we’ll let them play the games they want to play. We’re not here to censor people," McMaster concluded.

As the gaming industry embraces the transformative potential of blockchain technology, the SuiPlay 0X1 emerges as a beacon of innovation, poised to revolutionize gaming experiences and redefine ownership paradigms in the digital realm.