Portable game console console season has begun. Following products such as ROG Ally X and MSI Claw 8 AI Plus, a new one has been added to the new generation Windows game consoles. GPU manufacturer Zotac introduced its new handheld console called Zone at Computex. Zotac Zone console draws attention with its innovative features and is in a different position than its competitors.
Zotac had previously announced that Zone would have an OLED screen. The OLED display is a rare feature on PC handheld consoles and was previously only available on the Steam Deck OLED model. However, the Zone's two-stage adjustable triggers stand out as a feature reminiscent of Xbox Elite gamepads. Additionally, slip-resistant Hall effect joysticks are also available. However, the innovations offered by this device are not limited to these.
Zotac Zone features
The Zone has many features, including symmetrical PlayStation-style joysticks, programmable dials around each joystick, dual Steam Deck-like touchpads, and a small integrated stand. It has a Windows Hello camera instead of a fingerprint reader and USB4 ports on both the top and bottom. These features enable users to have a more flexible and customizable experience.
Powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 8840U chip, this handheld console has largely similar features to the 7840U chip used in previous models. Featuring the same Radeon 780M iGPU, this chip does not make a significant difference in gaming performance. However, with its LPDDR5X-7500 memory, seen in devices such as ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go, Zone offers faster and more efficient performance. The device provides a very clear image with 1080p resolution.
Zotac Zone is equipped with a 48.5 watt-hour battery. This battery is smaller than the Steam Deck OLED's battery and considerably smaller than the newly announced 80Wh batteries from Asus and MSI. Although the 7-inch 120Hz OLED screen does not support variable refresh rate, it offers a very bright and vivid image with 800 nits brightness. These features promise players a high-quality visual experience.
Zotac is known to be one of the first companies to try AirJet's innovative solid-state cooling technology in its mini PCs. However, according to questions from PCWorld's Adam Murray, this technology is not yet designed to cool high-wattage chips. Given cost concerns, the Zone is currently cooled by a conventional fan and a few small vents.
Zotac Zone release date and pricing
According to Geeknetic, the price of Zone will be around $800 in September this year. This price is at a high level for consumer gaming handheld consoles. However, Ally X, which attracts attention with its large battery, is also released at the same price. Zone offers innovations that justify this price level with its features.
As a result, Zotac Zone appears as a remarkable option in the handheld console market with its innovative features and powerful technical equipment. Players are eagerly awaiting the performance and experience of this new device. Especially features such as OLED screen and dual touch pad can help Zone gain a solid place in the market. This new generation handheld console makes a very ambitious entrance to meet the expectations of gamers.