During Computex 2024, Zotac unveiled its latest gaming handheld, the Zone. Packed with a powerful AMD Ryzen 7 8840U processor and 780M graphics, the Zone promises to deliver a solid gaming experience. With 16GB of LPDDR5X-7500 memory and support for 2280 NVMe SSDs, this device seems well-equipped to handle modern games. However, the 48.5Wh battery may be a concern for some users, especially when compared to other gaming handhelds on the market.
One of the standout features of the Zotac Zone is its 7-inch AMOLED 1080p touch-screen. Boasting a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 800 nits brightness, the display offers an immersive gaming experience. In brightly lit environments, the Zone’s screen excels in terms of brightness, contrast, and color reproduction. The decision to stick with a 1080p resolution on a 7-inch display is a smart choice, prioritizing smooth gameplay and high FPS over unnecessary pixel density.
The Zotac Zone comes with innovative controls, including hall effect joysticks, 2-stage triggers, and radial dials. While the controls impressed with their feel and responsiveness, there were some issues with the vertical joystick look being inverted during testing. Despite this, the overall experience with the controls was positive, especially for users with larger hands.
In terms of build quality, the Zotac Zone felt a bit plasticky, but sufficiently rigid to withstand daily use. While a more premium finish would have been appreciated, it’s understandable that Zotac opted for a more budget-friendly design given the target price of $800. Additionally, the inclusion of accessories such as a docking station and carry case adds value to the overall package.
With the gaming handheld market becoming increasingly crowded, the Zotac Zone faces tough competition from other manufacturers like Asus, Adata XPG, MSI, and Antec. While the Zone boasts impressive hardware specs and a stunning display, it remains to be seen whether it can differentiate itself enough from competitors, especially in light of the upcoming Steam Deck OLED. Visual quality may be a key selling point for the Zone, but it will need to offer a compelling overall package to attract consumers in a competitive market.
The Zotac Zone shows promise as a capable gaming handheld with its powerful hardware, immersive display, and innovative controls. However, competition in the gaming handheld market is fierce, and Zotac will need to deliver a compelling overall experience to stand out from the crowd. With a target price of $800, the Zone may appeal to gamers looking for a premium handheld gaming experience, but its success will ultimately depend on how it performs against rivals in the market.
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