If the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go feel a bit too basic for your tastes, the OneXPlayer X1 Mini might be the handheld gaming device you’ve been waiting for. This upcoming 8.8-inch, 144Hz Windows gaming tablet is packed with features designed to elevate your gaming experience.
Key Features
- Two Detachable Gamepads: Like a Nintendo Switch, it offers two detachable gamepads for flexible play styles.
- Magnetically Detachable Keyboard Cover: Similar to a Surface tablet, it includes a detachable keyboard cover for easy typing.
- Kickstand: Built-in for hands-free use.
- Easy-Access SSD Slot: A unique feature for handhelds, accessible under the kickstand for quick upgrades.
- Oculink Port: Connects to a growing number of external GPUs (eGPUs) for enhanced graphics performance.
- Windows Hello and Fingerprint Reader: Offers both facial recognition and fingerprint login for added security.
- 65 Watt-Hour Battery: One of the largest batteries available in handheld devices, ensuring long gaming sessions.
- Multiple USB4 Ports: For versatile connectivity.
- Controller Grip: Snaps the Joy-Con-like controllers together into a wireless gamepad.
- Harman EFX Tuned Audio: Delivers premium sound quality.
Under the Hood
The OneXPlayer X1 Mini is powered by an AMD 8840U processor, a departure from the Intel Core Ultra chip found in the 10.95-inch OneXPlayer X1 released earlier this year. The switch to AMD promises better performance, addressing the underwhelming performance issues observed in the Intel-powered MSI Claw.
Comparing Sizes
Choosing between the 10.95-inch and 8.8-inch versions can be tricky. Both models feature the same 65Wh battery, but the smaller size of the X1 Mini might offer better portability. The main concern would be the usability of the 8.8-inch keyboard, which could feel cramped.
Final Thoughts
The OneXPlayer X1 Mini is shaping up to be a compelling option for gamers seeking a feature-rich, portable gaming device. While pricing details and the Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign are still forthcoming, the prospect of trying out this versatile gadget is exciting. Stay tuned for updates as the campaign goes live.