The handheld gaming market is heating up, and AOKZOE is throwing its hat into the ring with the official launch of the A1X, a powerhouse device designed to compete head-to-head with ASUS’s recently refreshed ROG Ally X. Packed with AMD’s cutting-edge Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, the A1X promises to redefine portable gaming with desktop-level performance in a compact form factor.
The Specs That Matter
At the heart of the A1X lies AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, a chip built on the Zen 5 architecture that combines an 8-core, 16-thread CPU with RDNA 3.5 graphics. This APU is tailored for AI-enhanced gaming and multitasking, boasting a 50 TOPS NPU for on-device AI workloads. Paired with up to 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD, the A1X aims to eliminate lag and load times, even for demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or Elden Ring.
The device features a vibrant 7-inch 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate, rivaling the ROG Ally X’s screen specs. But where the A1X stands out is its thermal design: a dual-fan cooling system and vapor chamber ensure sustained performance without throttling, a common pain point for handhelds.
Design and Ergonomics: Built for Gamers
Weighing in at 678g, the A1X is slightly heavier than the ROG Ally X (678g vs. 640g), but AOKZOE emphasizes ergonomics with contoured grips and customizable rear buttons. The inclusion of Hall Effect joysticks and triggers ensures durability and precision, addressing complaints about stick drift in earlier handheld models.
For connectivity, the A1X doesn’t skimp: dual USB4 ports, a microSD slot, and Wi-Fi 7 support future-proof the device, while a 65Wh battery—15% larger than the Ally X’s—promises up to 4 hours of intensive gaming.
Pre-orders for the AOKZOE A1X are now live, with early adopters receiving a limited-edition carrying case and a 6-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
Software and Ecosystem
The A1X runs Windows 11 out of the box, giving players access to Steam, Epic Games Store, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. AOKZOE has also developed a proprietary overlay, AOK UI, which simplifies settings adjustments and performance tweaks on the fly. This addresses a key frustration among handheld PC users, who often juggle multiple apps to optimize their experience.
Price and Availability
Starting at 899 price tag while offering comparable specs. Analysts note that this aggressive pricing could disrupt ASUS’s dominance, especially given AMD’s AI-focused architecture.
“The A1X isn’t just a gaming handheld—it’s a statement,” said AOKZOE CEO Li Wei in a press release. “We’re targeting enthusiasts who refuse to compromise between portability and performance.”
The Verdict
With the A1X, AOKZOE is positioning itself as a serious contender in the premium handheld arena. While the ROG Ally X retains advantages like ASUS’s established software ecosystem, the A1X’s raw power and competitive pricing make it a tantalizing option. As the battle for pocket-sized gaming supremacy intensifies, consumers are the clear winners.
For gamers eager to dive in, the A1X launches globally on August 30. Will it dethrone the ROG Ally X? Time—and frame rates—will tell.
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