The handheld gaming market has been bustling with activity recently, with the likes of Asus and MSI unveiling their second-generation gaming handhelds. However, a new player has entered the arena in the form of Zotac and its Zone device. The Zone sets itself apart by offering a range of distinctive features that differentiate it from its competitors.
One of the standout features of the Zotac Zone is its OLED screen, a feature typically seen in higher-end devices such as the Steam Deck OLED. Additionally, the Zone boasts two-stage adjustable triggers, drift-resistant Hall effect joysticks, symmetrical PlayStation-esque joysticks, and twin Steam Deck-like trackpads. These features, combined with programmable dials and a small built-in kickstand, make the Zone a versatile gaming device.
Under the hood, the Zotac Zone is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 8840U chip, supported by LPDDR5X-7500 memory. While the performance may not be groundbreaking, the memory upgrade offers a slight performance boost over previous models. The device also features a 7-inch 120Hz OLED screen with a brightness of 800 nits, providing a visually immersive gaming experience.
One area of concern with the Zotac Zone is its cooling mechanism. While Zotac has experimented with AirJet’s solid-state cooling technology in the past, the current iteration may not be suitable for high-wattage chips like the 8840U. The Zone is equipped with a single traditional fan and small vents for cooling, which may raise questions about its long-term performance.
Additionally, the Zone features a modest 48.5 watt-hour battery pack, which is noticeably smaller than competing devices such as the Steam Deck OLED. This could potentially impact the device’s battery life and overall usability, especially during extended gaming sessions.
According to reports, the Zotac Zone is expected to retail for around $800, placing it at the higher end of the consumer gaming handheld market. While the price may be a deterrent for some consumers, the Zone’s unique features and capabilities could make it a compelling option for avid gamers.
The Zotac Zone offers a fresh take on the gaming handheld market, with a range of unique features and capabilities. While there are some concerns regarding cooling and battery life, the Zone’s innovative design and performance make it a device worth considering for gaming enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for the Zotac Zone when it hits shelves in September of this year.
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