Web3 companies are seeking to break through the limitations of applications and tokens, actively developing hardware devices that integrate crypto functionality with everyday technology. These devices include smartphones and gaming consoles.
Decentralized AI and Web3 infrastructure company Gaia Labs announced on Tuesday that it will launch a new AI smartphone in South Korea and Hong Kong. The device is based on Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge hardware and can run AI models locally, allowing users to interact with AI agents without relying on cloud services.
The company stated that the smartphone supports Web3 features such as on-chain identity authentication, pre-installed Gaia domain names, and tools for deploying custom AI agents.
Gaia has become one of the few blockchain companies to venture into physical hardware. In recent years, several projects have attempted to integrate blockchain technology into mobile devices.
Solana (SOL) Labs' subsidiary Solana Mobile released its second-generation device, Solana Seeker, in August, claiming that pre-orders have exceeded 150,000 units, with shipments covering over 50 countries and regions.
The company's first mobile device, the Saga smartphone, was launched in 2023, featuring a built-in Seed Vault and Solana (SOL) DApp store, and was associated with the BONK meme coin airdrop event.
New entrants in the Web3 space do not aim to replace smartphone giants like Apple and Samsung. Emmett Hollyer, General Manager of Solana Mobile, stated in a blog post reflecting on the evolution from Saga to Seeker that their goal is to create "a whole new mobile ecosystem that puts crypto users and developers at the core."
Additionally, pioneers in this field include Taiwanese electronics manufacturer HTC. In October 2018, HTC announced the pre-sale of Exodus 1, an Android device equipped with blockchain technology, featuring a hardware wallet ("Zion Vault") that supports multiple blockchains, including Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).
In 2022, luxury brand Vertu launched the Metavertu smartphone, which supports both Web2 and Web3 platforms, featuring a built-in crypto wallet and NFT functionality.
Gaia co-founder Shashank Sripada stated in an interview with Cointelegraph, "The measure of success is not market share, but whether decentralized solutions can become a viable alternative to the AI monopoly of large tech companies on both technical and economic levels."
In addition to smartphones, mainstream blockchain teams are also exploring portable gaming devices.
At the end of 2024, the Sui blockchain team Mysten Labs will collaborate with Playtron to launch the SuiPlay0X1 console. This device not only integrates a complete PC gaming experience but also features native Web3 functionalities, such as zkLogin and on-chain asset management.
In August 2025, Solana (SOL) Mobile announced the launch of Play Solana Gen 1 (PSG1), a portable console with hardware wallet capabilities.
This device integrates the Solana (SOL) wallet, fingerprint security for transaction verification, and access to the Solana (SOL) DApp ecosystem. Pre-orders will begin in 2025, with the first batch of devices expected to ship in October.
Related: Coincheck acquires French crypto company to expand into the European market
Original: “Web3 Companies Turn to Hardware, Launching Crypto-Driven Phones and Gaming Consoles”
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