The Web3 landscape is evolving fast, reshaping how people interact with digital assets and decentralized applications (dApps). As blockchain technology becomes a bigger part of our daily lives, new devices are being created to make these interactions easier and more convenient.

While hardware wallets are still important for keeping crypto safe, things like Web3 gaming devices and blockchain smartphones are becoming popular too. These gadgets are designed to bring blockchain features—like owning digital items or using crypto—straight into gaming and mobile experiences, making the technology more intuitive and fun to use.

In today’s article, we’ll explore some of the most intriguing Web3 devices on the market, looking at how they work, what they offer, and the challenges they still face.

Web3 Gaming Devices: Revolutionizing Play-to-Earn

Imagine this: you are playing your favorite game on a sleek, dedicated device and earning crypto while you’re at it—whether you’re on a break, relaxing at home, or commuting. Sounds exciting, right? Web3 gaming devices are turning this vision into reality by blending blockchain technology with handheld consoles. These devices let players truly own their in-game assets, trade them freely, and be part of decentralized gaming economies. It’s gaming, but with a whole new level of freedom, rewards, and endless possibilities.

SuiPlay0X1

The SuiPlay0X1 is a handheld gaming device that supports Sui blockchain games alongside traditional platforms like Steam and Epic Games. It combines AAA gameplay with blockchain-enabled features, allowing players to own and trade digital assets. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 7840U CPU, the device boasts premium hardware, including a 7-inch bezel-less screen, dual gyroscopes, and a 512GB SSD. Its scalable network and fast transaction speeds position it well in the Web3 gaming space. It’s available for pre-order at the time of writing at $599, with deliveries expected to begin sometime in 2025.

BitBoy One

The BitBoy One is a Bitcoin-centric handheld console designed to run games by Ordz Games, including titles like Ordz City and Ordz Heroes. Beyond gaming, it functions as a Bitcoin hardware wallet and can mine tokens from decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePINs). With modest specs, including a RockChip RK3566 processor and 32GB of internal memory, the BitBoy One is optimized for retro gaming emulation, making it a nostalgic yet innovative choice for gamers. At the time of writing, pre-orders for the Chapter 1 edition are available at $500 (excluding shipping), with delivery dates to be announced.

Web3 Smartphones: Bridging Mobile Tech and Blockchain

Crypto smartphones first emerged in 2018, offering users direct access to the decentralized web. These devices are equipped with Web3 connectivity, enabling features like built-in crypto wallets, secure transaction validation, and integration with blockchain-based operating systems. Despite recent advancements, mobile Web3 apps often lag behind their desktop counterparts in terms of user-friendliness, creating friction for both crypto enthusiasts and newcomers.

Solana Saga and Seeker

Solana Labs made waves with the launch of the Solana Saga smartphone, which initially struggled to gain traction but saw a surge in demand due to token airdrops tied to the device. Building on this momentum, Solana announced the Seeker, set to launch in mid-2025. The Seeker features a custom custody solution called the Seed Vault, a secure environment for managing digital assets, and a collaboration with Solflare for an enhanced software wallet experience. Each device also ships with a Genesis NFT, offering exclusive rewards and access to decentralized applications. The pre-order price at the time of writing is $500, with shipping expected in 2025.

dGEN1 by Freedom Factory

The dGEN1 phone, built on the Ethereum-based ethOS v4.0 operating system, is another contender in the Web3 smartphone arena. It integrates a dApp store for Ethereum and Layer 2 applications, along with a built-in light node for transaction validation. Priced at 0.21 ETH, the dGEN1 targets frequent crypto users and offers an airdrop eligibility feature tied to NFT ownership. Pre-orders are scheduled for delivery in spring 2025.

HTC Desire 22 Pro

While not exclusively a crypto phone, the HTC Desire 22 Pro bridges the gap between Web3 and the metaverse. It allows users to access metaverse communities without specialized VR equipment, showcasing the potential for blockchain integration in mainstream devices.

Challenges and Opportunities

Web3 hardware devices have a lot of potential, but they also face challenges. One of the main issues is that blockchain technology can be complicated, and many devices aren't easy for beginners to use. The design and user experience (UX) often aren’t as intuitive as they could be, which can make it hard for new users to get comfortable. For example, setting up wallets or managing digital assets can feel overwhelming without clear guidance or streamlined interfaces.

Another problem is that blockchain technology is evolving quickly, and hardware makers sometimes struggle to keep up. This means some devices can become outdated faster than expected, especially as new protocols, features, or standards emerge.

However, these challenges also present valuable opportunities for growth and improvement. As manufacturers gain insights from past experiences, they can focus on developing devices that are easier to use, more intuitive, and better equipped to adapt to future changes in the Web3 ecosystem. Innovations such as account abstraction, for example, can simplify the user experience by eliminating the need for complex private key management and enabling features like gasless transactions. By addressing these issues, manufacturers can bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and everyday usability, making Web3 more accessible to a wider audience. The future of Web3 hardware is promising, but realizing its full potential will require thoughtful design, continuous innovation, and a focus on adaptability.