Tag: Claw handheld gaming console

  • ZOTAC ZONE Handheld Console with AMD Ryzen 7 8840U Announced

    ZOTAC ZONE Handheld Console with AMD Ryzen 7 8840U Announced

    Zotac introduced its ZONE handheld game console at the Taipei International Computer Show, with an anticipated official release in September 2024.

    Specifications and Performance

    The ZOTAC ZONE is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 8840U processor and Radeon 780M core graphics. While the official TDP hasn’t been disclosed, it’s estimated that the default TDP will be 15W, with a maximum of 28W. The console features a 7-inch AMOLED screen boasting a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 800 nits. However, it doesn’t support variable refresh rates because it utilizes a MIPI screen, which might pose issues for certain games. The device also includes 16GB of LPDDR5X memory and a minimum of 512GB PCIe 4.0 x4 SSD in its M.2 2280 slot.

    Design and Features

    Measuring 310 x 135 x 40mm and weighing around 700g, the ZOTAC ZONE is bulkier compared to other handheld gaming devices like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally X. Notably, the ROG Ally X offers a 64% larger battery capacity than the ZOTAC ZONE. Despite this, the ZOTAC ZONE supports HDR output and features a Control Hall effect joystick along with a two-stage adjustable Hall trigger.

    Release Date and Pricing

    Running on Windows 11 Home Edition, the ZOTAC ZONE is powered by a 48.5Wh lithium-ion battery. It is expected to be priced at approximately $800 and will be officially launched in September 2024. More details about the ZOTAC ZONE are anticipated as the release date approaches.


  • ASUS ROG Ally X: Upgrades in the Latest Handheld Gaming Console

    ASUS ROG Ally X: Upgrades in the Latest Handheld Gaming Console

    ASUS has introduced a new handheld gaming console, the ROG Ally X, which serves as an upgraded version of last year’s ROG Ally. Let’s delve into the notable enhancements featured in this latest gaming handheld.

    ASUS ROG Ally X: Doubled Battery Capacity

    While the ROG Ally X is more of a mid-cycle update than a complete successor, it retains the same 7-inch LCD screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and the Ryzen Z1 Extreme chipset. However, the significant upgrade lies in its battery capacity, which has been doubled to 80Wh from the previous 40Wh. This enhancement aims to address the battery life issues seen in the original model, promising better performance even during intense gaming sessions.

    Enhanced Storage and Memory

    In addition to the battery, the storage capacity has also seen a substantial increase. The ROG Ally X now boasts 1TB of M.2 SSD storage, up from its predecessor’s 512GB. It features a full-size 2280 module, allowing for potential future upgrades with larger drives and compatibility with various third-party options. Memory has also been bumped up to 24GB of faster LPDDR5X RAM, compared to the 16GB on the original ROG Ally.

    Improved Cooling System

    ASUS has introduced a new fan system in the ROG Ally X, which claims to offer 24% better airflow despite the fans being 23% smaller. The console also benefits from larger heat pipes, enhancing thermal dissipation. These improvements are crucial for portable gaming systems, ensuring smoother gameplay over extended periods. The performance mode now draws 17W, an increase from 15W, while the silent mode draws 13W, up from 10W, translating to slightly better gaming performance.

    Refreshed Exterior Design

    The ROG Ally X also brings changes to its exterior design. It now features a new black exterior and is slightly thicker, providing a better grip and more ergonomic buttons. The new precision D-Pad is a notable addition, although the joysticks still lack Hall Effect sensors but do feature stiffer springs for improved durability. Another significant change is the addition of a third vent on top and the replacement of the proprietary XG mobile connector with a second USB-C port, supporting USB 5 and Thunderbolt 4. This allows for the connection of an external GPU if desired.

    Overall, ASUS has refined the original ROG Ally formula, addressing its shortcomings and creating a more rounded handheld gaming console in the ROG Ally X.

  • ZOTAC ZONE Handheld Gaming Console Specs Leaked

    ZOTAC ZONE Handheld Gaming Console Specs Leaked

    ZOTAC is preparing to unveil its latest handheld gaming console, the ZOTAC ZONE, at Computex 2024. This new device is poised to challenge competitors like the ASUS ROG Ally X. Prior to its official launch, VideoCardz revealed some hardware specifications for the ZOTAC ZONE. Here are the leaked details:

    ZOTAC ZONE Handheld Console Specs (Leaked)

    According to the report by VideoCardz, the console will feature an AMD Ryzen 7 8840U processor paired with Radeon 780M core graphics. This processor is set to operate at 15W of power but can be boosted up to 28W for enhanced performance. The device will be equipped with 16GB of LPDDR5X memory and a 512GB PCIe Gen4x4 SSD.

    The ZOTAC ZONE will sport a 7-inch AMOLED display, boasting a 120Hz refresh rate and 1080p resolution. This screen will deliver vibrant and sharp visuals due to its HDR support and 800 nits brightness. For gaming controls, the console includes a Hall effect joystick and a two-stage adjustable Hall trigger.

    Connectivity and Operating System

    The handheld console will offer a USB 4 interface and a UHS-II speed microSD card slot for connectivity. It will run on Windows 11 Home Edition. However, the battery life is relatively short, lasting only up to 1.25 hours, and the device will weigh under 700 grams.

    ZOTAC aims to release the ZONE for purchase by the third quarter of 2024. It’s important to note that the specifications mentioned are for the demo version showcased at Computex, and the final product specifications may differ.

  • MSI Claw A1M Handheld Console with Intel Core Ultra i5 135H – Pre-Order Now!

    MSI Claw A1M Handheld Console with Intel Core Ultra i5 135H – Pre-Order Now!

    At CEW 2024, MSI made its foray into the world of handheld gaming consoles by introducing the MSI Claw A1M console. This gaming device offers users a choice between two processors: the Intel Core Ultra i5 135H and the Core Ultra i7 155H.

    Pricing and Availability

    The base model of the MSI Claw A1M console is currently available for pre-order at $699 on the MSI website. It is set to be shipped on March 12, 2024. Information regarding the release of the higher-tier models is yet to be disclosed, but announcements are expected soon.

    Specifications

    Both variants of the Claw console feature a 7-inch Full HD (1920×1080) IPS touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate. They are equipped with 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM running at 6400MHz. In terms of connectivity, they come with the latest Intel Killer BE Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for seamless wireless connections.

    Storage and Design

    Storage options differ between models, with the premium version offering a 1TB NVMe SSD and the standard model equipped with a 512GB NVMe SSD. Both utilize the Gen4x4 2230 interface for rapid data transfer. The consoles are furnished with 2 x 2W speakers for immersive audio and support various peripherals through a Type-C USB port with DisplayPort and Thunderbolt 4 capabilities, as well as a Micro SD card reader.

    The MSI Claw A1M consoles are designed to be portable, measuring 11.57″ x 4.60″ x 0.83″ and weighing just 1.44 lbs. They run on a 6-cell 53Whr battery and come with a 65W power adapter. MSI offers a 1-year global warranty for the Claw series.


    MSI Claw A1M Handheld Console with Intel Core Ultra i5 135H - Pre-Order Now!

  • A Sneak Peek at MSI Claw Handheld Gaming Console: Key Specifications Leaked

    A Sneak Peek at MSI Claw Handheld Gaming Console: Key Specifications Leaked

    The handheld gaming console market is buzzing with excitement thanks to the launch of the Steam Deck. Major players in the industry are now stepping up their game and introducing their own handheld consoles. After the ASUS ROG Ally and the Lenovo Legion Go, MSI is joining the race with its upcoming handheld device called the MSI Claw.

    MSI has already teased the MSI Claw in China and through its official Twitter account, giving us a glimpse of what the console looks like. But now, some key specifications of the console have been revealed through Geekbench listings. According to the listings, the MSI Claw will be powered by the Intel Meteor Lake processor, specifically the Core Ultra 7 155H SKU. This processor boasts an impressive 16 cores and 22 threads, surpassing the capabilities of the Ryzen Z1 Extreme found on the ROG Ally and the Lenovo Legion Go.

    The Core Ultra 7 155H processor offers 6 P-Cores, 8 E-Cores, and 2 LP-Cores. The built-in GPU, based on Arc Alchemist architecture with 8 Xe-Cores, is expected to reach speeds of up to 2.25 GHz. The console will run on 64-bit Windows 11 and will come with 32GB of RAM. However, it is worth noting that MSI may offer different configurations to cater to different user needs.

    Although the official unveiling of the MSI Claw is scheduled for CES 2024 next week, the teaser has already given us a sneak peek at its design. The console features Xbox-style controls, complete with RGB backlights and front-facing speakers. The display has noticeable bezels at the top and bottom, with slightly narrower ones on the sides. CES 2024 is set to kick off on January 8, so we won't have to wait long to learn more details about the console.