Gamers in 2024 have a viable alternative to PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. Handheld consoles are making waves, and ZOTAC recently launched its new Gaming ZONE.

What does ZOTAC’s Gaming ZONE offer?

PC Guide’s recent article on ZONE compared it to the popular Steam Deck. PC Guide said that ZONE “doesn’t quite match up to its competition yet” due to Steam Deck’s “massive library of games” and relative affordability. The ZONE comes with several hardware features. Its Macro Buttons can be programmed with shortcuts, and the Hall Effect analogue controls “translate electromagnetic forces into inputs, eliminating stick drift and increasing hardware longevity” (in the company’s own words). So, what does this mean for gamers? Handheld options including Nintendo Switch OLED and Steam Deck OLED are highly regarded but, even now, these smaller consoles haven’t been able to offer the array of online games for PC – the most flexible and powerful means of playing video games. The release of the ZOTAC handheld PC signals a potential opening in the market, which is great news for gamers and developers alike – although don’t shut down your gaming PC just yet.

Can the ZONE justify its price tag?

Entering the market with a $799 may be a bold move, with several other options hundreds of dollars cheaper. A recent article on Games Radar noted that ZOTAC’s timing is unfortunate, with Antec recently having released its Ayaneo Slide, available for 300 dollars less. Game Radar said that while the ZONE’s 1080p 120Hz screen “should offer elevated specs compared to its competition”, the price tag made it a hard sell “for that boon alone”. The “crisp visuals” of Gaming Zone are something that ZOTAC themselves are highlighting. The ROG Ally X, another higher priced handheld console, provides a faster 24GB RAM and a 1TB M.2 SSD, which the ZONE can’t match. As it stands, most observers view the ZONE as an overpriced option when there are many alternatives available.

Are handheld consoles really an alternative to PC, Xbox, and PlayStation?

Wired said in April that “Valve's Steam Deck kicked off a wave of manufacturers looking to compete with the Nintendo Switch, but many of their offerings are rushed, buggy, or just not a great way to play games.” However, “A few have risen to the challenge.” Wired pointed out that it’s a good idea to consider the platform a handheld console was designed for. The Switch runs games for… yep, the Switch, but “Other handhelds can be a bit more complicated.”  Some consoles just run Windows, but it’s a good idea to check what games are available before buying a handheld console. Battery life is one area where options vary. The Switch and Steam Deck are noted for their better battery life compared to alternatives.

What’s the best option for PC gamers?

If you don’t want to opt for the Switch and want access to a wide variety of PC games on the go, then the Steam Deck is widely regarded as one of the best options. It’s gone through a “barrage of updates”, as Wired puts it, but now “the vast majority of games in your Steam library run exceptionally well on the Steam Deck.”. For PlayStation fans, meanwhile, the PlayStation Portal is well reviewed, earning 5 out of 5 stars from Tech Radar. Fans of retro games and GameBoy-inspired designs may opt for the Super Pocket, also earning 5 stars from Tech Radar.

So is the Gaming ZONE going to change gaming hardware forever?

It’s too early to tell whether many customers will opt for the ZONE, given its high price. But ZOTAC’s high-tech screen may encourage more companies to compete, and as gamers in 2024 get more and more used to stunning graphics – even on handheld consoles – the expectations from games on the go may rise. So while the ZONE might not turn out to be as popular as the Switch or the Steam Deck (it would do extremely well to compete), its technology may help usher in even higher standards in handheld gaming.