 |
| The OneXPlayer Apex also features an 8-inch VRR display and an 85 Wh external battery pack. |
The race to deliver the first AMD Strix Halo-powered gaming handheld to market is heating up, and One-Netbook has just crossed a major milestone. The company has officially closed the crowdfunding campaign for its highly anticipated OneXPlayer Apex and is now offering the device directly to consumers. This move puts it ahead of key rivals in the burgeoning high-performance handheld space.
For context, the Apex entered the scene over two months ago, following the announcement of the GPD Win 5. Meanwhile, competitor Ayaneo has yet to lock in a concrete launch date for its equivalent project, the Ayaneo Next 2. As it stands, the OneXPlayer Apex is the first of the three major contenders to be sold directly on a manufacturer's website, marking a significant shift from crowdfunding to retail availability.
You can check out the official product page and current offerings for what is being called the 'world's most powerful 8" gaming handheld' on the OneXPlayer site.
This launch comes as Strix Halo technology begins to proliferate in other form factors. Notably, mini-PCs featuring the powerful AMD silicon are already available, with options like the GMKtec EVO-X2 boasting up to a massive 128 GB of RAM. These compact desktops, such as the one currently listed for $2,299 on Amazon, highlight the raw potential of the Strix Halo platform now trickling into handhelds.
Pricing, Specs, and a Liquid Cooling Option
One-Netbook has structured the Apex launch with several configurations. The entry point to the Strix Halo experience is a model featuring the Ryzen AI Max 385 APU, 32 GB of LPDDR5x RAM, and a 1 TB SSD, listed at a discounted price of $1,699 (down from an alleged $1,899 MSRP).
For users seeking maximum performance, the company offers Ryzen AI Max+ 395 SKUs. These start at $1,899 with 48 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD, scaling up to a premium $2,539 configuration that pairs the top-tier APU with 128 GB of RAM and a 2 TB SSD.
Perhaps the most intriguing option is a built-in liquid cooling support system. For a $259 surcharge on any SKU, buyers can get the handheld prepared for an external liquid cooling unit. One-Netbook claims this advanced cooling solution allows the APU to sustain a 120 W TDP, providing a substantial 50% performance uplift over the standard air-cooled model—a tantalizing prospect for enthusiasts wanting to push the hardware to its limits.
Shipping and a Price Warning
According to the manufacturer, orders placed on the OneXPlayer website are slated to begin shipping around February 10. However, potential buyers should note a critical detail: all prices mentioned are expected to eventually increase by $200. While the exact timing of this price hike is currently unclear, it suggests that the current pricing is an introductory offer.
The direct sale of the OneXPlayer Apex represents a pivotal moment for AMD's Strix Halo in the handheld arena. With its combination of high-tier specs, innovative cooling options, and (for now) competitive pricing, One-Netbook has firmly planted its flag in the ground. All eyes will now be on how GPD and Ayaneo respond as the battle for handheld gaming supremacy enters a new, more powerful chapter.
