Zotac, a renowned manufacturer of graphics cards and mini-PCs, has ventured into a new realm with the Gaming Zone. The Gaming Zone faces stiff competition from other handheld consoles, such as the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck. This handheld console aims to redefine the gaming experience, offering a compact, powerful, and versatile device that can be enjoyed anywhere.
Zotac is releasing “The Zone,” a handheld gaming console with a 120Hz 7-inch AMOLED display. The device has received positive initial impressions as a new handheld gaming PC when first showcased at Computex, particularly for its design and display quality.
Key Specs
The Zotac Zone features a Ryzen 7 8840U processor, a 7-inch Full HD AMOLED display, dual trackpads, and unique radial dials around the analog sticks, which can be programmed for functions like volume control. Key specs include 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM, and a 512GB SSD. However, the display is a portrait screen used in landscape mode and lacks Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support.
Display
The handheld comes with a 7-inch 1080p AMOLED display running at 120Hz, supporting HDR gaming with a peak brightness of 800 nits, making it one of the few devices to offer this feature. The AMOLED display is noted for its vibrant colors and deep blacks. The device includes I/O options with a fingerprint sensor and a MicroSD slot, enhancing its usability in different settings.
The handheld has rear programmable buttons and preloaded games like Horizon Forbidden West and Forza Horizon 5, which ran well despite some screen tearing. Other notable hardware includes Hall-based joysticks and triggers, dual trackpads, pro trigger locks, and a symmetrical layout. The screen tearing is expected to be resolved in the released version. The device also supports Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and has dual USB4 ports. Additional features include a built-in kickstand, downward-firing stereo speakers, and a front camera. The console also supports fast charging and has a 48.5W battery.
Pricing
The Zotac Gaming Zone is a promising handheld console that offers a compelling combination of performance and portability. Its powerful hardware, high-quality display, and extensive game compatibility make it a compelling option for gamers seeking a portable gaming experience. The device weighs 692g, slightly heavier than competitors, and is expected to retail for $799 in the U.S.
