The handheld gaming PC market is heating up as Zotac enters the fray with its new Gaming Zone device. This latest entrant aims to challenge established players like the Asus ROG Ally X, bringing some unique features to the table.
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| Zotac's Gaming Zone handheld challenges the ROG Ally X with AMOLED display |
AMOLED Display: A Game-Changer?
Zotac's Gaming Zone stands out with its 7-inch 1080p AMOLED display, boasting a 120Hz refresh rate and an impressive 800 nit peak brightness. This screen technology could provide a significant visual upgrade compared to the LCD panels found in competing devices.
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| The Gaming Zone features advanced Hall effect sensors to improve controller performance |
Under the Hood
Powering the Gaming Zone is AMD's Ryzen 7 8840U Hawk Point APU, paired with a Radeon 780M GPU based on RDNA 3 architecture. While not the absolute latest chip, it should deliver performance comparable to the ROG Ally X. The device comes equipped with 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB NVMe SSD.
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| The sleek design of the Gaming Zone showcases its ergonomic layout and modern interface |
Ergonomics and Controls
Zotac has put emphasis on the Gaming Zone's ergonomics, claiming a carefully shaped design for extended play sessions. The controls feature Hall effect sensors in the triggers and analog sticks, potentially reducing the risk of controller drift over time. Additional input options include radial dials on the sticks and two trackpads.
Battery Life Concerns
One potential drawback is the Gaming Zone's 48Wh battery, which is significantly smaller than the 80Wh cell found in the ROG Ally X. However, the power efficiency of the AMOLED display may help offset some of this difference.
Pricing and Availability
The Zotac Gaming Zone is priced at $799, putting it in direct competition with the Asus ROG Ally X. Pre-orders have opened in select markets, with a full launch expected in September. While not yet available in the US, the device is confirmed to be coming to Malaysia, though local pricing remains unknown.
The Verdict
Zotac's entry into the handheld gaming PC market brings some intriguing features, particularly its AMOLED display. However, with established competition and potential battery life concerns, it remains to be seen whether the Gaming Zone can carve out a significant market share. Gamers will want to keep an eye on reviews and benchmarks as they become available to determine if Zotac's offering is worth considering over its rivals.