The gloves are off in the handheld gaming PC battleground these days. Valve's Steam Deck arguably paved the way for this section of the market to gain mainstream acceptance, but it wasn't the first challenger – and it certainly won't be the last, either. We've had several companies release powerful portable computers in recent years, with Aya Neo being perhaps the most prolific.
However, ASUS is getting in on the act with its ROG Ally device, and we have fringe rivals like OneXPlayer, which has just released its second take on the handheld gaming PC concept. Does this Switch-style machine have what it takes to take away market share from its competitors? We're about to find out.
OneXPlayer 2 Review: Design & Screen
There's no getting around it – the OneXPlayer 2 really does give off strong Switch vibes. Any system that sports detachable controllers is going to do that, we guess – but in the case of this particular system, they don't make quite as much sense as they do on Nintendo's best-selling hybrid and end up feeling a little bit like a gimmick.
That's because, when removed from the main body of the system, the controllers don't actually do anything on their own. There's no internal battery, and they lack motion control. So why bother? Well, OneXPlayer is also selling an optional controller dock into which the two controllers slot, turning it into a stand-alone pad. That actually makes a lot of sense, given that the system has a Switch-style kickstand, but it's odd that the controller dock isn't included in the box.
Outside of that, the OneXPlayer 2 makes a pretty solid first impression. The boxy design makes it look like a Switch on steroids, and it's twice as heavy as Nintendo's console, but what you're getting is a much more powerful platform – not to mention a positively huge 8-inch, 2560 x 1600 IPS screen. It's not an OLED panel, but it's still very, very impressive. In fact, even after a few days of use, it's still the most appealing element of the entire machine. Of course, such a big display means a big footprint, and the OneXPlayer 2 might be a little too large for some people.
The usual button inputs can be expected on the OneXPlayer 2's controllers, but the device also has a series of buttons across its top edge – one of which triggers the system's turbo mode for improved performance. Naturally, that comes at the expense of battery life, so this should only be deployed in extreme circumstances, or when you've got the device connected to a power outlet.
Also on the top edge, you'll find a USB-C port, USB-A port and MicroSD card slot, as well as a 3.5mm headphone socket. There's no HDMI-out port, so you'll need to use the aforementioned USB-C port to connect to an external screen. There doesn't seem to be any dedicated docking solution available for this machine, either, but you should be able to use a third-party option just fine.
An optional magnetic keyboard was included with our review unit, and this effectively transforms the OneXPlayer 2 into a desktop computer. The keyboard is nice to use, if a little cramped, but the trackpad feels far too small, so we'd recommend using a proper mouse if you intend to use this as a computer as well as a gaming machine.
OneXPlayer 2 Review: Performance & Battery Life
The OneXPlayer 2 is powered by an AMD Ryzen 6800U chipset, the same one found inside the Aya Neo Air Plus. What that means is you're getting a seriously potent piece of gaming equipment which is more than capable of running AAA PC games at HD+ resolutions without in the way of performance hitches. The Steam Deck is pretty good at this kind of thing, but there's often a compromise involved; the resolution isn't full HD and not every game runs as well as you might think. While the OneXPlayer 2 isn't plain sailing by any means, it's remarkable how well most modern-era games run on this thing.
Of course, that comes with a cost – battery life. Despite the fact that the OneXPlayer 2 is rocking a massive 65.8W / 17100mAh battery, you're looking at around two hours of playtime if you run this baby at full tilt. If you're performing less demanding tasks, then you'll naturally be able to make a single charge last much longer.
OneXPlayer 2 Review: Software & Emulation
The OneXPlayer 2 ships with Windows 11, so it will basically act like a standard PC. That means you can install anything you'd typically install on a laptop or desktop, making it a powerful crossover device for those who like to game on the move but also want something they can use for admin tasks, video streaming or even work.
As we've previously noted in our reviews of the Aya Neo Air and Air Plus, this is a huge strength but also a notable weakness; Windows 11 isn't designed to be interacted with via a touchscreen, and navigating the UI is often an exercise in frustration.
Sure, some apps – like Steam – will allow you to switch to a more finger-friendly interface, but for the most part, it feels like you need to use a mouse to get the most out of the OneXPlayer's Windows UI. The Steam Deck, on the other hand, is built around Steam's 'Big Picture' mode, which is a breeze to move around using either touch or physical controls. In the Time Extension office, we often refer to this as being a 'frictionless' experience – something that other handheld gaming PCs almost always fail at.
As you might imagine, emulation is one area that is of particular interest to us here at Time Extension. The 6800U chipset means the OneXPlayer 2 is a complete and utter beast when it comes to emulating classic systems; it can pretty much replicate the performance of any system up to and including the Wii U (and it can run Switch games, too). PS3 and Xbox 360 emulation isn't quite as advanced as it is for 8, 16 and 32-bit systems and the development community is still ironing out the kinks, but nonetheless, it's hard not to come away thoroughly impressed by how well the OneXPlayer 2 imitates these consoles. Alongside the more compact Aya Neo Air Plus, this is perhaps the best option for 'on-the-go' emulation right now.
OneXPlayer 2 Review: Conclusion
The OneXPlayer 2's display and raw power are unquestionably its key selling points; the 8-inch screen is a marvel and gives AAA games that big-budget feel when playing on the move. AMD's Ryzen 6800U chipset is also a monster when it comes to performance levels, allowing you to enjoy modern-era PC games on the go and emulate a wide range of systems with little compromise.
On the downside, the battery life is pretty poor, but this is a common complaint with these portable gaming PCs. The Switch-style controllers also seem like something of an afterthought, as they only work with the controller dock – which wasn't included in the box of our review unit. It's also impossible to escape the fact that Windows 11 simply wasn't designed with this kind of product in mind, and some form of touch-friendly UI would be a much better idea. Aya Neo has tried this with its Aya Space app, with mixed results.
The final stumbling block – and again, this applies to many other systems of this kind – is the price. You're looking at well over $1,000 to pick up the base model, which will put this out of reach for most casual players – which is a shame because, for all of its faults, the OneXPlayer 2 does portable AAA gaming very well indeed.
Thanks to OneXPlayer for sending us the review unit used in this piece.
Comments (13)
Man, sounds like a real juggernaut. With a price to match.
I might have to trade in my Alexey Pajitnov-signed Mega Drive Tetris cart to get one.
OneXPlayer 2? are you kidding me?
can no one properly name a new console anymore? 😔
"You're looking at well over $1,000... for all of its faults..."
over 1000 dollars for the base model means NO faults. total failure, imo.
"You're looking at well over $1,000... for all of its faults..."
over 1000 dollars for the base model means NO faults. total failure, imo.
The major problem with all of these is they do not have the support of Valve and the community that it has fostered. Valve has thrown their whole weight behind the Deck and will support it for the foreseeable future. Valve will continue to tweak the user experience and the Deck will evolve to be a better product. No doubt this is more powerful, but I have no faith this product will offer similar longevity and user experience. Windows is a blessing and curse.
I really hate to say it, but no matter how "good" these products are, I will just ignore all these devices until Valve makes a Deck 2.
@Hikingguy
this is just a PC, right? what kind of support does it need?
(honest question, no skin in this game ✌️)
@-wc- This is a PC and so is the Deck. But if the main purpose is to play games, having a dedicated interface to make it easy to acquire, play, update, launch, connect controllers for the games really makes life a lot easier. I mean that is why so many people end up buying consoles. They are paying for a device that finely tunes the experience to play video games and the confidence of a company that will support it for many years.
If you wanted to buy the Deck and use it exclusively as a portable PC, you could do that 100 percent. Valve has been working on Proton and the user experience for many years. So similar to a console, I am buying a device that Valve constructed to be relatively low cost and a simple user experience for gaming that they continue to improve at a consistent pace.
But unlike consoles, the Deck can also be a full on portable PC that I can easily hook it up to my TV or any other monitor.
Plus with Steam, I am fairly confident that all my games will follow me to any computer I have now and in the future.
I have no confidence that consoles will do the same. So I buy the games once and I own it and will be able to play it on all devices that can play Steam. For example, I have lost all confidence with Nintendo in this regard.
A person could buy the OneXPlayer 2 and set everything up themselves, and it should work, but that would be more on the end user. With the Deck, Valve takes some of that responsibility off the end user.
I have not even mentioned the support of the Linux community. They are a dedicated group of people.
I am sure there are plenty of more reasons for and against, but I really do not want to keep buying device after device after device. I guess I just pick my path and stick with it. Valve as earned my trust, so I go with them.
@Hikingguy
thanks!
i had considered most of that, but somehow it eluded me that the deck is linux and this thing is windows. my experience with each is that linux youre on on your own but most things you can think of will work, and usually pretty easily, while windows is a complete mess, nothing works.
i would push back lightly against one thing:
"...if the main purpose is to play games, having a dedicated interface to make it easy to acquire, play, update, launch, connect controllers for the games really makes life a lot easier. I mean that is why so many people end up buying consoles. They are paying for a device that finely tunes the experience to play video games and the confidence of a company that will support it for many years."
i dont think you are flat wrong here, and certainly its true that consoles provide generally what you describe, but the real reason people buy consoles over gaming pcs is far more pressing:
they are a fraction of the cost.
if consoles had NONE of the advantages you described, most of the same people would still buy them simply because they cant afford or wont spend the 1-3k usd just to play videogames.
i dont think you would see consoles selling like they do if they cost what high end gaming pcs cost, despite the simplicity.
anyway, its interesting to think about. thanks again!
@-wc- No problem and I would agree, and that is why I mentioned the low cost in the next paragraph.
"So similar to a console, I am buying a device that Valve constructed to be relatively low cost and a simple user experience for gaming that they continue to improve at a consistent pace."
But the Deck is a total package, a portable handheld PC at a low cost that is tailored to gaming with a full on PC as a bonus. Something that consoles do not offer. Kind of best of both worlds.
You asked what kind of support it needs because it is a PC, I would say it needs a lot to make it a good gaming experience and Valve is doing a very good job with that. Always improving with each update and fixing issues that pop up timely. I doubt many PC's do that the same way a console would.
The device in this article cost more than the Deck and uses Windows. Two negatives in my book.
Valve's distro takes care of many of the details of Linux and the Linux community is really helpful if someone has an issue. Valve wants to make sure the user experience is as good as it can be and when you have total control over your operating system, you can tailor it the way you want.
@Hikingguy
i completely agree with you, and if i were going to get another device to play games on besides switch, hands down its a steam deck. maybe christmas lol.
@-wc- I waited a year but now I have owned it for a few months and I like it. Similar to the Switch, I primarily have it hooked up to my TV. I rarely use it in handheld. I do not play super new games, but all the games I want to play, I am able to play. And even for newer games, the community will usually have suggestions how to best optimize the settings. I will use it as a PC when I need to. I just attach a Keyboard and mouse to the docking station and it works flawlessly. The user experience is intuitive.
A relative of mine who is not very tech savvy, and is typically a console guy, is also enjoying the Deck too. He has had minimal questions, and for the most part, Valve has made it an intuitive experience. And there is always Protondb.
I have basically shifted buying all my 3rd party games to Steam. In lieu of Nintendo.
@Hikingguy
ironically, i was super hyped for the idea of a "steam machine" several years back, but i didnt have the cash at the time, and for some reason they flopped, horribly.
ill not ever be paying the "handheld tax" for a console that isnt nintendo (gotta have those first party exculsives!) but i would buy a consolized steam deck for 200-250 bucks in a heartbeat (or, a couple paychecks lol.)
edit-
"I have basically shifted buying all my 3rd party games to Steam"
yes, that is what i would do 👍
@-wc- I was interested in the Steam Machine too, but it had some major problems. SteamOS was not ready for the average consumer in 2015. And if I remember correctly, the hardware distribution method was confusing and fragmented. (similar to the 3DO?) Valve wanted a console like experience, but they missed the mark with their target audience. The OS was free, I could just install it on a computer myself. SteamOS might have been okay for people who did not mind tinkering, but it was not ready for the masses! In 2015 your average person would have had a much better experience on Windows. And that really says something.
The Steam Deck is the likely result of the Steam Machine's failure. They seems to understand their audience much better this time around.
SteamOS shifted from Debian to Arch. And maybe most importantly it had many, many more years to mature. Plus ,Proton, the compatibility layer, also had years to mature and works really well now. Next Valve fixed the hardware confusion by taking the hardware in house and, similar to a console, locked the specs and offered the end user much simplified options.
Valve really did learn from their mistakes.
I bought a steam deck on impulse. No real research and never being a PC gamer. No regrets at all. These other machines all seem like they are missing the point of the steam deck.
Price.
Easy of use
Support
Community.
They smash the price. Remove the ease of use. Don’t give any support (windows) and won’t have anywhere near the active community working on it making it better (emulation support, controller support etc).
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