One of my favorite graphics card makers is releasing a gaming handheld that could take on Steam Deck OLED
May. 30, 2024The Zotac Zone could enter the fight with an AMOLED display.
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Zotac, a company I’d normally associate with custom graphics cards, just launched a teaser for a new gaming handheld. That’s perhaps notthatsurprising considering Steam Deck rivals are the in thing right now, but leaked specs suggest it’ll go the extra mile compared to theAsusROG Ally,LenovoLegion Go, and MSI Claw. In fact, its apparent qualities almost match one of my favorite premium portable PCs out there, particularly when it comes to its choice of APU and OLED screen combo.
Thebest gaming handheldrace is more like a dance, with theSteam Deck OLEDmaintaining its belle of the ball status while other portable PCs dance around it. Ultimately, deciding which system to shuffle with comes down to both budget and requirements, as most devices boast different qualities to entice you with. Looking for a larger screen? TheLenovo Legion Gomight be your jam. Care more about ergonomics? TheAsus ROG Allyhas you covered. Even frame rate chasers can get in on the action with a premium option like theAyaneo 2S.
Extra premium perks like hall effect joysticks and two-step adjustable triggers imply that the portable will be premium. There’s zero information about the device right now, but the whole spec sheet is giving meAyaneo 2Svibes. That latter handheld maker is even using the same Ryzen chip in its newest models, so Zotac might be trying to catch the attention of high-spec players rather than those of you looking for a cheap Steam Deck alternative.
Should you wait for the Zotac Zone?
The Zotac Zone certainly looks attractive on paper, but I’ll need to see both a price tag and get hands-on before knowing if it’s worth investing in. With so many portable PC options now roaming the battlefield spoiling for a fight, buying something that balances specs and cost is an absolute must. Put it this way, you could go out and buy a Ferrari, but if you’re only going to use it to swing by a fast food drive through, you’d probably be more comfortable using a Ford Fiesta.
That said, potential Zotac Zone attributes like a 120Hz AMOLED screen and that Ryzen 7 8840 APU hold a lot of promise. At the moment, there aren’t many OLED handheld PCs roaming around, and you’d normally need to opt for something like theRazer Edgeor thebest gaming phoneto enjoy AMOLED tech specifically. Even the upcoming Asus ROG Ally X handheld is set to use an ordinary LCD, so the Zone could be one of the only contenders to properly take that fight toValve.
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Already got Valve’s portable? Check out thebest Steam Deck accessoriesandbest Steam Deck dockfor great add-ons. You’ll also want to swing by thebest gaming laptopsif you’re looking for a fully fledged rig.
I’ve been messing around with PCs, video game consoles, and tech since before I could speak. Don’t get me wrong, I kickstarted my relationship with technology by jamming a Hot Wheels double-decker bus into my parent’s VCR, but we all have to start somewhere. I even somehow managed to become a walking, talking buyer’s guide at my teenage supermarket job, which helped me accept my career fate. So, rather than try to realise my musician dreams, or see out my University degree, I started running my own retro pop culture site and writing about video games and tech for the likes of TechRadar, The Daily Star, and the BBC before eventually ending up with a job covering graphics card shenanigans at PCGamesN. Now, I’m your friendly neighbourhood Hardware Editor at GamesRadar, and it’s my job to make sure you can kick butt in all your favourite games using the best gaming hardware, whether you’re a sucker for handhelds like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch or a hardcore gaming PC enthusiast.
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