Home > News

ZOTAC officially launches new Gaming ZONE handheld, but does it land a blow on popular Steam Deck

A little way to go yet
Last Updated on August 19, 2024
Gaming Zone handheld launches
PC Guide is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More
You can trust PC Guide: Our team of experts use a combination of independent consumer research, in-depth testing where appropriate - which will be flagged as such, and market analysis when recommending products, software and services. Find out how we test here.

ZOTAC, mainly known for its GPU endeavors, has entered the handheld gaming market with its new Gaming ZONE. This compact powerhouse is designed to deliver desktop-class gaming experiences on the go, thanks to a plethora of high-end internal hardware.

Gaming ZONE is equipped with AMD’s Ryzen 7 8840U processor, paired with Radeon 780M integrated graphics. This combination ensures smooth gameplay, even for demanding titles. To complement the powerful hardware, ZOTAC has equipped the device with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a speedy 512GB NVMe SSD.


AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D launches today!

AMD has finally launched the highly anticipated 9800X3D, vowing for gaming CPU supremacy for another year. Below are the latest listings we can find

Prices correct as of November 7th, 2024.


ZOTAC confirmed in a blog post that the brand would now be accepting pre orders for the device – but at the time of writing, it isn’t obvious in what regions that it’s available.

(Image Source: ZOTAC)

Zotac features Ryzen 7 8840U processor

One of the standout features of the Gaming ZONE is its 7-inch AMOLED display. ZOTAC has also paid close attention to the controls, incorporating hall-effect triggers and analog sticks for precise gameplay. The inclusion of adjustable triggers and radial dials adds a level of customization that many gamers should appreciate.

Key features of the ZOTAC Gaming ZONE:

  • AMD Ryzen 7 8840U processor
  • Radeon 780M integrated graphics
  • 7-inch AMOLED display
  • 16GB LPDDR5X RAM
  • 512GB NVMe SSD
  • Hall-effect triggers and analog sticks
  • Adjustable triggers and radial dials
  • Optional docking station and carrying case

With a price tag of $799 (according to Wccftech’s recent article), the ZOTAC Gaming ZONE positions itself as a premium handheld gaming device. While it faces competition from other established players in the market, its unique features and focus on performance could make it a compelling option for gamers seeking a powerful and portable gaming experience.

It’s no Steam Deck yet

While the ZOTAC Gaming ZONE boasts impressive specs and features, it doesn’t quite match up to its competition yet, in particular the Steam Deck, which has wider mass appeal. The Steam Deck benefits from a massive library of games optimized for handheld play, a dedicated community, and a more affordable price point – $250 cheaper to be exact!

Additionally, Valve’s extensive experience in PC gaming has contributed to a more refined user experience on the Steam Deck. ZOTAC has a little way to go yet, but it is still early doors for the gaming device.

3453
Handheld gaming PC poll

Which handheld gaming PC do you own and/or use the most?

Tom is a tech writer with a detailed view on ensuring the best buying advice, most useful information, and latest news makes its way into PC Guide's articles.