As the market for Steam Deck-style gaming handhelds grows, the Zotac Zone emerges as a new player with a blend of familiar and novel features. While its exterior design may look similar to existing models, the Zone introduces some distinctive elements that could make it a noteworthy contender.
Equipped with a 7-inch AMOLED display, the Zone offers a 1080p resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a vibrant and smooth visual experience right out of the box. The OLED screen is particularly impressive, boasting 800 nits of brightness and excellent color contrast, a feature that stands out since even the OLED version of the Steam Deck is reserved for the high-end model.
The Zone’s design incorporates a familiar control scheme, including front-mounted touchpads that echo the Steam Deck’s layout, though absent in models like the ROG Ally. A unique feature is its integrated wide-hinged kickstand, inspired by the Switch OLED, which enhances its versatility. Additionally, an RGB lighting strip adds a stylish touch, fitting the trend of flashy designs in this category.
For gamers who value tactile feedback, the Zone includes a “clicky” D-pad, ideal for precise control in fighting games, and Hall effect thumbsticks and triggers designed to resist drift without needing replacements. Radial dials for volume and brightness offer fine-tuned control, and the triggers can be adjusted for different travel preferences, similar to the Xbox Elite controller.
On the downside, the Zone’s specs are less impressive compared to newer models like the ROG Ally X. It features an AMD Ryzen 7 8840U processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB M.2 2280 SSD, which can be upgraded, though the RAM is fixed and the 48.5 watt-hour battery falls short of the latest designs.
The Zotac Zone, which was officially revealed at Computex and is now making its debut at Gamescom, is expected to launch in September with a price around $800.