A New Challenger Approaches: Antec Enters the Handheld Gaming PC Market
The world of handheld gaming PCs just got a little more interesting with the announcement of the Antec Core HS, a new rival to the popular Steam Deck. But what makes this new entrant so special, and how does it stack up against the competition?
A Familiar Face with a Twist
The Antec Core HS may be a new name in the handheld gaming PC market, but it’s not entirely new. In fact, it’s a rebranded version of the Ayaneo Slide, a device that’s been around since September 2023. So, what sets the Antec Core HS apart from its Ayaneo counterpart? For starters, the device features a unique sliding screen that reveals a keyboard, reminiscent of old Windows Mobile phones. This innovative design allows for more precise text input and enables gamers to use keyboard commands in games that support them.
The Antec Core HS boasts a unique sliding screen that reveals a keyboard.
Under the Hood
The Antec Core HS is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 7840U chip, which is different from the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip used in other handheld gaming PCs like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. While the specs are similar, the Ryzen 7 7840U chip has a higher TDP rating of 15-28W, which may impact its power efficiency.
The Ryzen 7 7840U chip powers the Antec Core HS.
Pricing and Availability
The Antec Core HS is expected to be priced between $600 and $900, depending on the configuration. While there’s no official release date, given that it’s based on an existing product, we can expect it to arrive soon.
The Competition
The handheld gaming PC market is heating up, and the Antec Core HS is just the latest entrant. With its unique design and powerful specs, it’s sure to give the Steam Deck a run for its money. But will it be enough to sway gamers away from the popular Steam Deck OLED? Only time will tell.
The Steam Deck OLED remains a popular choice among gamers.