ZOTAC ZONE: Future ASUS ROG Ally and Steam Deck rival shown with twin trackpads in first real-life pictures

[Redaktion]

ZOTAC is due to officially present its first gaming handheld next week at Computex 2024. In the meantime, the company has allowed one trusty editor to publish the first pictures of the ZOTAC ZONE, which show several similarities between it and main rivals like the ASUS ROG Ally and Valve Steam Deck.

https://www.notebookcheck.net/ZOTAC-ZONE-Future-ASUS-ROG-Ally-and-Steam-Deck-rival-shown-with-twin-trackpads-in-first-real-life-pictures.842949.0.html

[Hotz]

How many Gaming Handhelds do we need? "Yes"

*cringe*

Don't we have enough of this s*** already?

[TBF]

How many Gaming Handhelds do we need? "Yes"

*cringe*

Don't we have enough of this s*** already?

Rather have more < $699 x86 handhelds than more > $1999 nvidia dgpu laptops with 8 gb vram.

[George]

Indeed, the handheld x86 gaming space is getting CROWDED!

This is a GOOD thing: more OEM players = more competition = more discounts!

However given that they ALL have access to pretty much the same parts it comes down to how well (or NOT!) the OEM mixes+matches+prices their offerings.

IMHO: the TWO area's that OEM's have not really gotten into or embraced are -

1. Docking - to play on a big screen (possibly with others)
2. eGPU - via TB4/5 or Optolink

[Megaman]

Looks like the steam deck's retarded cousin lol

[Tanooki]

1. Docking - to play on a big screen (possibly with others)
2. eGPU...

I certainly agree with the bulk of your post, and I don't know enough about eGPUs to comment on that. On the docking, though, there are a TON of third-party devices that have such functionality, just without a cradle/stand on which to rest the handheld. I'm not sure of the best blanket term, but I've seen them described as "port replicators" or "USB hub with..." additional connectivity.

Most of these have a USB-C power delivery port, to provide pass-thru power, while simultaneously using the other, type-A USB ports. They also usually have an HDMI port (or two!), sometimes an audio headset jack, and occasionally even an ethernet port!

With how common simple device stands are, I know I wouldn't be the least bit put out, by not having this functionality built into a stand. Besides, any cradle with the connector attached would have to be specially built for each model, depending on the position of the port on the handheld.

Whenever I get around to acquiring one of these handhelds, a port replicator/hub-thing is DEFINITELY gonna be my first accessory purchase for it! (I already have a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse for my current laptop, so I'd just bring them over...lol.)

[Tanooki]

Honestly, I'm just waiting for people to start noticing how easy it should be with a port hub/dock/wtf-ever device, to make these handhelds into the ultimate in portable, convertible computers! I'm imagining them being used in essentially three modes:

1) Use-as-desktop - connected to port replicator w/PD pass-thru power port, HDMI to a TV, wireless/USB keyboard & mouse, and any other wireless or USB-based devices one might use with a desktop

2) Handheld - mostly for gaming, but with Windows functionality...awkward-but-available

3) Miniature laptop - Handheld mode, but with a basic USB-C power adapter, folding bluetooth keyboard (no num-pad), and miniature BT mouse (or trackball)

I LOVE the idea of having a device that has such a broad range of functionality, that would almost fit in my pocket! Well...maybe with cargo pants. ;)

[Hotz]

Honestly, I'm just waiting for people to start noticing how easy it should be with a port hub/dock/wtf-ever device, to make these handhelds into the ultimate in portable, convertible computers! I'm imagining them being used in essentially three modes:

You can be sure people have already noticed, but probably don't like you're suggestion. And there are plenty of reasons for it. People generally don't like using port replicators, or to buy a docking station, or folded keyboards (which are bad to type on), or a small screen which is unusable for productivity work (modelling, video editing, photoshop, programming), or to pay for 2 things when they only need 1 (e.g. pay for miniature display although they generally have to use a desktop monitor), or to use devices that don't sit stably on the desk because of the handheld design, or the non existent upgrade options, or the non existant custom cooling possibilities, or something that is connotated with gaming mostly, or actually don't even find gaming handhelds comfortable to use in hand, etc.

Just saying... there is a reason why gaming handhelds are niche.

[ET3D]

I LOVE the idea of having a device that has such a broad range of functionality, that would almost fit in my pocket! Well...maybe with cargo pants. ;)

These devices aren't it. Get a GPD WIN Max 2 if you want something reasonably small with reasonable functionality. Gaming devices like the ZOTAC ZONE require a case to carry, which makes them less portable than a small laptop, even if you don't consider having to also carry a portable keyboard. The WIN Max 2 is at least usable as a laptop, with a decent enough screen and keyboard for basic work, while also having controllers for gaming.

If you want something even more pocketable, get the WIN Mini. It would be less usable for general computing on the go, but still much more usable than a standard portable gaming device form factor.

I think that GPD is the only company making gaming handhelds which really fit into the category of multi-purpose devices.

Even so, I don't think it's reasonable to expect such devices to replace larger laptops or desktops.