The handheld gaming market just got hotter – and we don't just mean performance-wise. The newly released OneXPlayer Sugar 1, a unique $599 dual-screen Android device powered by the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 chip, is promising serious retro gaming muscle. But can it actually deliver sustained power, especially against pricier rivals? Popular tech reviewer ETA PRIME decided to find out, putting the Sugar 1 through its paces with demanding PlayStation 2 emulation, revealing both impressive highs and concerning thermal lows.
The headline result? Yes, the Sugar 1 absolutely can run notoriously demanding PS2 titles like God of War II and Gran Turismo 4 at a stunning 3X native resolution (1080p internal rendering), achieving smooth frame rates that would make the original PS2 weep. This level of upscaling clarity on its 6.3-inch primary 1080p display is a major selling point, showcasing the raw potential of the G3x Gen 2 platform for emulation enthusiasts.
However, the celebration hits a thermal wall. ETA PRIME's rigorous testing uncovered a significant Achilles' heel: thermal throttling. Under sustained load, especially during graphically intense sequences in games like GoW II, the Sugar 1's cooling system struggles. Core temperatures quickly soar, triggering aggressive clock speed reductions on the Snapdragon chip to prevent damage. This results in noticeable performance dips, frame rate stutters, and an overall inconsistent experience compared to its initial burst of speed.
The comparison that stings? The Ayaneo Pocket S2, equipped with the slightly less powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip (not the Gen 3 variant). While the Sugar 1 initially boasts higher peak performance thanks to the G3x Gen 2 (effectively a tweaked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2), the Ayaneo Pocket S2 consistently demonstrated superior thermal management. It maintained its performance target more reliably over extended play sessions, offering a smoother, more predictable experience despite the Sugar 1's theoretical power advantage.
You can witness this performance paradox in action in ETA PRIME's detailed video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLRKYoReFI0
The video clearly demonstrates the Sugar 1's impressive initial frame rates at 3X resolution rapidly giving way to instability as heat builds up. The Ayaneo Pocket S2, while perhaps not hitting the same peak resolution/frame rate combo initially, holds its ground steadier for longer.
So, what does this mean for potential buyers? The OneXPlayer Sugar 1 is undeniably intriguing. Its dual-screen design offers unique potential for multitasking or DS/3DS emulation (though software support is nascent), and its $599 price tag undercuts many premium Android handhelds. For short bursts of high-end emulation or less demanding titles, it shines. Achieving 3X PS2 resolution is no small feat.
But, if you're looking for sustained performance in the most demanding emulation scenarios – the very scenarios where you'd want that 3X resolution – the thermal throttling is a major caveat. The Ayaneo Pocket S2, while potentially more expensive depending on configuration, currently demonstrates better longevity under heavy load. The Sugar 1 feels like a device pushing its hardware envelope right to the thermal edge.
The Verdict: The OneXPlayer Sugar 1 delivers on its promise of peak performance for retro emulation at an attractive price, proving capable of stunning 3X PS2 upscaling. However, ETA PRIME's testing reveals a significant trade-off: aggressive thermal throttling under sustained load that undermines its potential and places it behind the Ayaneo Pocket S2 in terms of consistent performance delivery. It's a device of impressive highs hampered by thermal realities, leaving buyers to decide if the unique dual-screen design and lower price outweigh the throttling concerns for their gaming habits.
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