The Zotac Zone enters the handheld gaming market with an eye-catching design and premium components that instantly set it apart. With its 7-inch AMOLED display, the screen delivers stunning contrast and rich colors, making games look vibrant and immersive. The device features dual hall-effect thumbsticks designed to resist drift, a thoughtful ergonomic shape, and even includes a built-in stand and webcam. On paper, it seems like one of the most complete handheld PCs yet.
In terms of performance, the Zone holds its ground against other Windows-based handhelds. Powered by a Ryzen 7 APU, it handles modern games at 800p smoothly, offering frame rates comparable to competitors like the ROG Ally. Visual quality on the AMOLED screen helps games shine, and the hall-effect sticks feel precise and responsive during gameplay. For those who care about hardware quality and a beautiful display, the Zone checks many boxes.
However, the experience quickly shows cracks once you begin using it. The software is a major letdown, with a Windows 11 interface that feels awkward on a handheld and a bundled launcher that comes across as underdeveloped. The dual trackpads, which could have been a standout feature, are frustrating to use, with poor responsiveness and inconsistent clicks that make them feel more like an afterthought than a functional tool.
Comfort is another mixed bag. The overall shape and grip are well-designed for seated gaming sessions, with controls placed in a way that reduces strain for short periods. But the weight of the device becomes noticeable during longer play, and many users will likely experience fatigue after extended use. Battery life is also middling, offering only one to two hours of gaming depending on how demanding the title is, which falls behind expectations for a premium handheld.
With a launch price of $799, the Zotac Zone sits in the same tier as some of the best handheld gaming PCs available today. While the hardware is undeniably attractive and the screen is among the best in its class, the poor software experience and underwhelming battery life make it difficult to recommend over more polished options.
The Zotac Zone shows that great hardware alone is not enough to carry a handheld device. Its beautiful screen, responsive thumbsticks, and strong performance are undermined by frustrating software and usability flaws. For gamers who are willing to put in the time to tweak and work around its issues, it can still be an appealing choice. But for most players looking for a seamless handheld gaming experience, there are better and more balanced options already on the market.
