## The Steam Deck’s Reign is Over? A New Windows Handheld Rises to the Challenge For years, Valve’s Steam Deck has reigned supreme as the king of portable PC gaming. But the crown is starting to feel a little loose. A new contender has entered the arena, boasting a sleek design, powerful hardware, and most importantly, a promise to deliver a truly seamless Windows experience. PCGamesN is calling this a “proper” Windows handheld, and gamers are buzzing with excitement. Could this be the Steam Deck’s downfall? We dive deep into the hype machine, dissecting the features, performance, and potential pitfalls of this new challenger to see if it can truly dethrone the king. Buckle up, gamers, the future of handheld PC gaming is about to get a whole lot more interesting.
Beyond Cyberpunk 2077: Testing the Limits of the A1X’s Capabilities
Pushing the Boundaries of Performance
It’s no secret that the big weakness of Windows gaming handhelds is, ironically, the operating system itself. It’s this quirk that has helped the Steam Deck and its Linux-based SteamOS maintain its position as a leader in the market, but that could now be under threat from opposition that comes completely out of left field, the AOKZOE A1X. The AOKZOE A1X is a very new handheld to the market in that it was revealed in April 2025, and is currently only available to order via Kickstarter. I have a pre-production model, however, and my early impressions are that it’s finally a Windows handheld that won’t be held back by its operating system. Time will tell whether the A1X goes on to be one of the best handheld gaming PCs, but it’s off to a flying start in my view.
When I first unboxed the AOKZOE A1X, I have to admit I was a little underwhelmed, but this is largely because I’ve come straight from testing the Ayaneo 3, the first modular Windows handheld. Moving from this to testing a handheld with a comparatively plain design felt like a step back, but it only took a few hours for this feeling to dissipate, and it was replaced with a sense of awe. Once I got the A1X up and running, it became very clear that Windows is not the same drawback on this device that it has been on countless other handhelds, such as the ROG Ally X, Legion Go, MSI Claw, and aforementioned Ayaneo 3. But why? Well, it’s simple. In the close to ten hours of gaming on this handheld so far, not once has a game crashed or even stuttered when using the A1X’s quick access menu, called the OneXConsole. Changing the system’s VRAM allocation didn’t cause an instant full system reset, leaving me worried I had bricked the handheld. Hell, even the simple act of controlling games and the quick access menu all just work. No quirks, no delays, no freezes.
All of the issues I’ve just mentioned are so common on other Windows handhelds that my expectations for the AOKZOE A1X were lowered in anticipation. I expected to struggle to navigate the operating system, especially with no trackpads and only the touchscreen on which to rely. Instead, thanks to a responsive 120Hz VRR display in a native landscape setup, along with a dedicated keyboard button that, again, just works, everything I’ve done so far on the A1X has been laughably simple.
A Performance Powerhouse
Given that Windows works just as well on the A1X as it does on any desktop gaming PC, it feels like the one real barrier preventing the Steam Deck from being knocked off the top spot is gone, and the A1X also has the Steam Deck eclipsed when it comes to gaming performance. The AOKZOE A1X uses the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, just like the Ayaneo 3, but I’m a little surprised to see improved performance coming out of the A1X in initial testing.
When quickly running the Cyberpunk 2077 benchmark at 30W, the A1X achieved an average frame rate of 55.94fps on the high graphical preset while using AMD FSR 3 on quality and with frame generation enabled. This is compared to the Ayaneo 3 hitting 52fps under the same conditions, but at a native 1080p resolution rather than the 1200p of the A1X. It will be interesting to see if the A1X can outperform the Ayaeno 3 on any other gaming tests in my full review.
The AOKZOE A1X: A Handheld for Gamers, Not Just PC Enthusiasts
Responsive Display and Intuitive Controls: A User-Friendly Experience
The AOKZOE A1X boasts a stunning 120Hz VRR display, offering incredibly smooth and responsive visuals. This high refresh rate, coupled with the handheld’s native landscape setup, makes for a truly immersive gaming experience. The controls are equally impressive, featuring a comfortable and intuitive layout that feels natural in hand. A dedicated keyboard button adds another layer of usability, streamlining navigation and menu interaction.
Navigating Windows on the Go: No Trackpads, No Problem
One of the most common criticisms leveled at Windows gaming handhelds is the lack of a trackpad, a feature that’s often essential for smooth and precise navigation within the operating system. However, the AOKZOE A1X defies this expectation. Thanks to its responsive touchscreen and well-implemented software shortcuts, navigating Windows on the A1X is surprisingly intuitive and easy. The lack of a trackpad doesn’t hinder the user experience in any significant way.
Accessibility for All: Making Handheld Gaming More Inclusive
The AOKZOE A1X demonstrates a clear commitment to accessibility, ensuring that a wider range of gamers can enjoy its powerful hardware and immersive gameplay. Features like customizable button mapping and adjustable display settings cater to individual preferences and needs, making the handheld more inclusive for everyone. This focus on accessibility is commendable and sets a positive precedent for the future of handheld gaming.
Price Tag and Potential
A Hefty Investment: Is the A1X Worth the $1,499 Price Tag?
While the AOKZOE A1X undoubtedly offers impressive performance and features, its $1,499 price tag is a significant hurdle for many potential buyers. This puts it firmly in the premium category, placing it in direct competition with high-end laptops and desktop gaming PCs. Whether the A1X justifies this price tag ultimately depends on individual needs and priorities. Gamers who prioritize portability and raw power may find the A1X to be a worthwhile investment, while those on a tighter budget might consider more affordable alternatives.
Kickstarter Deal: A Limited-Time Opportunity to Own the A1X
Fortunately, those interested in purchasing the AOKZOE A1X can currently take advantage of a limited-time Kickstarter deal, which brings the price down to $1,159. This represents a considerable saving and may make the A1X more accessible to a wider audience. However, it’s important to note that this offer is only available during the Kickstarter campaign and may not be available once the A1X is released commercially.
The Future of Windows Handhelds: The AOKZOE A1X as a Paradigm Shift
The AOKZOE A1X has the potential to be a paradigm shift in the world of Windows gaming handhelds. Its combination of powerful hardware, intuitive software, and strong focus on user experience addresses many of the shortcomings that have plagued previous attempts at bringing Windows gaming to the handheld market. If the A1X can overcome its high price point and deliver on its promises, it could very well become the go-to handheld for gamers who prefer the flexibility and vast library of Windows PC games.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. PCGamesN has thrown down the gauntlet, declaring a new contender has emerged in the handheld PC gaming arena. This isn’t just another me-too device; it’s a Windows handheld that, according to their testing, actually works. The article highlights the shortcomings of the Steam Deck, particularly its software and driver issues, and contrasts them with the purported stability and performance of this newcomer.
This development is a big deal for gamers who crave the freedom and flexibility of PC gaming on the go. The Steam Deck, despite its initial promise, has faced hurdles in delivering a consistently smooth experience. If this new Windows handheld truly lives up to the hype, it could shake up the market and reshape the future of portable PC gaming. Imagine a world where you can seamlessly play your entire PC library on a handheld device, free from the frustrations of compatibility issues and performance bottlenecks.
The race for portable PC gaming supremacy is heating up, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will Valve rise to the challenge, refine the Steam Deck, and maintain its dominance? Or will this new contender usher in a new era of handheld gaming, one defined by stability, performance, and true PC freedom? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: the future of gaming on the go is about to get a whole lot more interesting.
