Zotac Zone: The Bold New Contender in Handheld Gaming

Zotac Zone Review: A Bold Contender in Handheld Gaming?

Handheld gaming has witnessed a surge of innovative devices vying for your attention, and the Zotac Zone is making a notable entrance into this competitive arena. If you’re looking for a portable gaming machine that can match the Steam Deck OLED in performance while offering a few extra bells and whistles, the Zone might just be your next gaming companion—provided your wallet can handle it.

Zotac Zone Handheld Gaming
The Zotac Zone offers a stunning display, but does it deliver in practical use?

Specifications That Impress

Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 8840U CPU and AMD Radeon 780M GPU, the Zotac Zone targets both casual and competitive gamers. Here’s a quick look at what this device brings to the table:

CPU/GPU: AMD Ryzen 7 8840U/AMD Radeon 780M
RAM: 16GB LPDDR5X
Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
Display: 7in, 1920x1080, 120Hz AMOLED
Ports: 2x USB-C, 1x 3.5mm, 1x microSD
Dimensions: 285x115x35mm
Weight: 714g
Price: £850 / $TBA

Like a classic Zotac GPU, the Zone boasts a sturdy build, with controls inspired by high-end gamepads such as the Xbox Elite and Razer Wolverine V3 Pro. The thumbsticks are Hall effect, and the D-pad offers a mechanical clickiness that enhances gameplay. The addition of dual trackpads helps significantly when navigating within Windows 11.

Performance That Thrills

When it comes to gaming performance, the Zotac Zone truly shines. Benchmark tests reveal it as one of the fastest handhelds on the market—easily outperforming not just the Steam Deck but also competitors like the ROG Ally X.

For example, running games that approach difficult performance levels on the Deck can look smoother on the Zone. With games like Metaphor: ReFantazio, the Zone manages over 35 fps at intermediate quality settings, translating to a notably richer gaming experience. However, games like Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 can still struggle, proving that even high-end hardware has its limits in the face of demanding titles.

Display Quality That Captivates

A standout feature of the Zotac Zone is its AMOLED display. It not only offers higher resolution but also covers 100% of the sRGB gamut, meaning more vibrant colors compared to the Steam Deck’s 93.8% coverage. However, the Steam Deck OLED does hold an edge in peak brightness and an effective anti-glare coating, making it easier to use in various lighting conditions.

Gaming Performance
The performance of the Zotac Zone unfolds: promising yet puzzling in equal measure.

User Experience: The Double-Edged Sword

Unfortunately, not everything about the Zotac Zone is flawless. While its robust specs and superior input quality cater to demanding gamers, it struggles with fairly basic functionalities, leading to an uneven user experience.

The device suffers from battery life issues, consistently falling short of achieving longer gameplay sessions compared to both the Steam Deck and ROG Ally X. Testing the battery while playing Forza Horizon 5 yielded a mere 1 hour and 44 minutes, a far cry from the Steam Deck’s impressive 5 hours and 48 minutes in the same game. This factor may detrimentally impact its practical appeal for frequent travelers.

A Pricey Proposition

At £850, the Zotac Zone is not just a premium device; it is also a considerable investment. While its gaming performance can justify the price tag, users may feel the effect of its shortcomings when compared to its competitors that offer relatively balanced options for less money.

Conclusion: The Balancing Act

Ultimately, the Zotac Zone is a complex machine: it’s perfect for gamers who crave performance and are looking for a device to withstand the rigors of more demanding gameplay. But at a price that feels high, plus the hassle of battery life restrictions, prospective buyers must weigh these factors carefully before taking the plunge.

For those unmatched by the offerings of traditional handhelds, the Zotac Zone may just be the exhilarating powerhouse they’ve been waiting for. Is the allure of performance worth the sacrifice in daily practicality? That is the question every potential owner must answer.

To explore more about the Zotac Zone and its impressive specifications, you can visit their official website.