Zotac showed an updated ZOTAC GAMING ZONE handheld prototype with AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, an OLED display and a Manjaro Linux-based operating system ahead of Computex 2025. It was a real showcase, not a confirmed retail launch: Zotac’s announcement gave no price, release date or complete shipping specification sheet. The same presentation included several more concrete MAGNUS mini PCs and refreshed ZBOX systems.
What Zotac actually showed
Zotac described the handheld as an “updated prototype variant” of its ZOTAC GAMING ZONE, not as a finalized product named “ZONE 2.” HotHardware used “Zone 2” in its May 14, 2025 report, but Zotac’s own wording was “newest ZONE prototype.” HotHardware’s report and Zotac’s announcement establish the distinction.
The confirmed prototype features were an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APU, an OLED display, and a Manjaro Linux-based operating system designed for handheld PCs. Zotac also said it had increased memory capacity compared with the first ZONE and retained its “elite controls.” Its May 2025 recap confirms the memory upgrade without giving a capacity. Zotac’s Computex showcase page identifies the OLED panel and dates the public event to May 20–23, 2025.
Those details do not amount to a retail specification. The announcement did not state the screen size, resolution or refresh rate; exact memory or storage; battery capacity; sustained power limits; dimensions; price; or release date. It also did not provide game benchmarks. Treat the Ryzen chip as the prototype’s hardware, not as a guarantee of a particular frame rate or battery life.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- ICONIC CLAMSHELL DESIGN: Open the ANBERNIC RG35XXSP and jump back into classic gaming. Its foldable design protects the screen between sessions, while the Hall magnetic switch automatically wakes the rg 35xxsp console when opened and enters sleep mode when closed.
- SMOOTH LINUX PERFORMANCE: Powered by an H700 quad-core 1.5GHz processor and dual-core Mali-G31 MP2 GPU, this rg35xxsp retro handheld game console delivers responsive performance across more than 30 compatible gaming platforms and supported ported games.
- 3.5-INCH IPS DISPLAY: The 640 x 480 IPS screen features OCA full lamination for clear details, vivid colors, and wide viewing angles. Its classic 4:3 display is well suited for retro games while keeping the console compact and easy to carry.
- 64GB STORAGE AND EXPANSION: The included 64GB microSD card stores the Linux operating system and compatible game files. Dual card slots support storage expansion up to 512GB, making rg35xxsp easier to separate system files from your personal game library.
- PLAY AT HOME OR ON THE GO: The 3300mAh battery provides up to 8 hours of use. Dual-band Wi-Fi enables supported online play and streaming, while Bluetooth controller support, wired controller compatibility, vibration, and HD TV output offer more ways to play.
Why the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 is interesting—and what it cannot tell you
The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 is a high-end mobile APU: one package combining CPU cores, integrated Radeon graphics and an NPU for AI workloads. That makes it an intriguing foundation for a handheld that must fit its processor, graphics, memory and cooling inside a battery-powered device.
The chip name alone cannot predict how it would perform in Zotac’s prototype. Real results depend on the device’s configured power, cooling, firmware, memory bandwidth, drivers, game resolution and upscaling, as well as how performance changes on battery. The announcement did not disclose the prototype’s memory configuration, sustained wattage, cooling behavior or clock speeds. There is therefore no sound basis for assigning it a frame rate or assuming it would match a gaming laptop with a discrete GPU.
Manjaro could suit handheld gaming, but compatibility matters
A Linux-based handheld can offer a focused, console-like experience if the manufacturer integrates the interface, controls, power management and suspend behavior well. Steam and Proton can make a substantial selection of PC games playable on Linux, while Linux tools may appeal to users who want more control over their system. It can also avoid some Windows handheld annoyances, such as desktop-oriented touch interactions and scaling.
That experience depends on the implementation. Zotac confirmed a Manjaro-based operating system, but did not establish that it would ship with a finished gaming shell or SteamOS-level integration. Game compatibility varies by title and Proton version. Anti-cheat systems can block some multiplayer games, while non-Steam launchers may take extra setup. Vendor support for firmware, controller mapping, sleep and resume, fan behavior, and power limits would be just as important as the distribution name.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →For buyers, the practical question is whether their game library and preferred services work on Linux. Anyone who relies on Game Pass PC, specific launchers or competitive multiplayer games should verify compatibility rather than assume Manjaro is a drop-in Windows replacement.
Rank #2
- 720*720 IPS Color Screen: The high-resolution 720*720 SIP color screen delivers vibrant and sharp graphics. Enjoy rich colors and clear details, bringing your games to life with stunning visual quality.
- 7 Color Dual Joystick: Mechanical buttons ensure a comfy press. The 3D joystick provides an intuitive experience. With 7- color lighting (adjust via button), it adds style.
- Upgraded L/R Buttons: Experience enhanced gaming! The L/R buttons adopt a spring four - plate structure for comfort. With an ergonomic design, they offer a stronger operation feel.
- WiFi - Enabled: No need for a separate adapter. Connect directly and play against others on the same network. Enjoy smooth dualplayer gaming. Whether it's racing or fighting, experience immersive gameplay. Battle with friends anytime, anywhere.
- Powerful & Portable: It has a professional RK3326 chip, running at 1.5GHz with 64 - bit architecture, handling large - scale 2D and some 3D games. Built - in 3000mAh battery for long endurance. Lightweight and portable, play anywhere.
How the prototype compares with established handhelds
The Zotac prototype’s potential appeal is its combination of newer AMD silicon, OLED and a Linux direction. It cannot yet be compared on measured performance, ergonomics, battery life or value because those product details were not published. The comparisons below are about product approach and maturity, not a claim that one device is faster.
| Handheld | What it offers | Trade-off for a buyer |
|---|---|---|
| Updated ZOTAC GAMING ZONE prototype | Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, OLED, Manjaro-based OS and Zotac controls were shown. | Retail status, final specifications, price and support are not established by the announcement. |
| Steam Deck OLED | A Linux-first handheld with the established SteamOS experience and retail availability. | Its main advantage over a prototype is the more mature, proven software ecosystem; hardware comparisons require matched settings. |
| ASUS ROG Ally / Ally X | Windows offers broad compatibility and access to multiple game launchers. | Windows can be less console-like on a handheld, and performance comparisons depend on power, resolution, memory and game settings. |
| Lenovo Legion Go family | A larger-screen and multi-mode design for users who value display area or detachable controls. | It is a different form-factor proposition from the conventional compact ZONE prototype; Zotac’s final dimensions and controls were not published. |
The mini PCs at the same Computex showcase
The MAGNUS and ZBOX announcements were part of the same presentation, but they address different needs from a handheld. Zotac described discrete-GPU compact desktops for gaming and demanding workloads, an integrated-graphics AMD system, and smaller general-purpose ZBOX machines.
MAGNUS ONE: compact desktop graphics
The announced MAGNUS ONE EU27507TC is an 8.48-liter system pairing a desktop Intel Core Ultra 7 processor with a desktop GeForce RTX 5070 Ti. Zotac positioned it as a compact performance desktop; it is not a battery-powered alternative to the ZONE. See Zotac’s Computex announcement.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallMAGNUS EN: discrete graphics in a smaller chassis
The MAGNUS EN75060TC was described as a 2.65-liter system with an Intel Core Ultra 7 mobile processor and a desktop GeForce RTX 5060 Ti with 16GB of graphics memory. Zotac also highlighted local AI demonstrations, including language-model and image-generation workloads. Those demonstrations indicate intended use cases, not a universal performance guarantee: results depend on the model, software and available memory. The specifications are in Zotac’s May recap and its Computex announcement.
MAGNUS EA: AMD integrated graphics
The MAGNUS EA uses AMD Ryzen AI Max processors with integrated Radeon graphics. Unlike the ONE and EN, it does not center on a discrete GeForce GPU. Its proposition is a compact desktop built around AMD’s integrated graphics and AI-capable platform, rather than a handheld or a discrete-GPU gaming machine. Zotac’s announcement does not establish application benchmarks.
Rank #3
- [Power Specification]: Input Volt Range: AC 100-240V~1.5A 50-60Hz Cover Compatible With Output: 5V~2-3A / 9V~2-3A / 12V~2-3A / 15V~2-3A / 20V~3-3.25A 65W MAX Plug Size: USB-C tip
- Compatible with ZOTAC ZONE Handheld Gaming Console ZGC-G1A1W-01 PC Gamer Player 65W Type-C Switching Power Cord Charger Cable Mains
- [Safety]: Tested, Approved and Certified by UL. Short circuit protection, Over temperature protection, and Over voltage protection.PCB & Cover is manufactured with Fireproofing materials.Use temperature protection NTC. Use insulation paper to isolate electrodes. Use fire protection glue paper and silica gel for safety features, it's security when notebook PC computer is working
- [Fast and Efficient Charging]:This charger delivers a rapid and efficient charge to your devices, ensuring minimal downtime. Whether you're working on an important project, streaming your favorite content, or simply browsing the web, this charger that sold by PowerHOOD provides a reliable power source to keep you going
- [Built-in Safety Features]: Your safety is our top priority. The Charger by PowerHOOD is equipped with multiple built-in safety features, including overvoltage protection, short circuit protection, and overcurrent protection. These features ensure a stable and secure charging experience, giving you peace of mind while your devices power up
ZBOX C and M: compact general-purpose systems
Zotac also presented refreshed ZBOX C- and M-series systems using Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors. The C series emphasizes fanless or low-noise designs; the M series uses active cooling in slimmer chassis. These are broader productivity and compact-computing options, not necessarily gaming-first products.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which Zotac system fits which job?
| System | Form factor and focus | What to weigh |
|---|---|---|
| Updated ZONE prototype | Battery-powered handheld with built-in display and controls | Linux game compatibility, ergonomics, sustained power, battery, and whether it ever reaches retail. |
| MAGNUS ONE | 8.48-liter compact desktop with desktop RTX 5070 Ti | Desktop gaming capability in a small chassis; check noise, upgrade access and the exact regional configuration. |
| MAGNUS EN | 2.65-liter mini PC with desktop RTX 5060 Ti 16GB | High graphics capability in little volume, balanced against cooling, noise and upgrade constraints. |
| MAGNUS EA | Compact AMD Ryzen AI Max desktop with integrated Radeon graphics | Integrated graphics and AI-platform use cases rather than discrete-GPU performance. |
| ZBOX C/M | Compact general-purpose systems; fanless/low-noise C or actively cooled slim M | Productivity, efficiency and noise priorities rather than an assumption of gaming-first performance. |
A handheld’s built-in screen, controls, battery, suspend/resume and software support are central to its value. A mini PC instead needs to be assessed as a desk or living-room computer: whether its graphics are integrated or discrete, how memory and storage can be accessed, cooling noise under load, power requirements, ports and networking, and whether a listing is barebones. Compact volume alone does not guarantee silence, easy upgrades or low power use.
Did the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 handheld reach stores?
As of August 18, 2026, the available evidence does not confirm that this specific Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 ZONE prototype became a broadly available retail handheld. Zotac’s current ZBOX E-series catalog shows later MAGNUS systems, including newer Ryzen AI Max/AI Max+ and GeForce configurations, but those products are not evidence that the 2025 handheld shipped. A catalog page also does not establish a U.S. sale price for the prototype.
What prospective buyers should do
If you want a handheld now
Choose an established model with confirmed price, warranty, software support and compatibility for your games. Steam Deck OLED is the more proven Linux-first route; Windows-based Ally models are the more familiar option for broad launcher and game compatibility. Compare actual battery behavior, screen specifications and ergonomics for the models you can buy rather than relying on the ZONE prototype’s processor name.
If the Zotac prototype interests you
Wait for a product page or retailer listing for the exact model before making a purchase decision. Look for the final OS experience, memory and storage configuration, screen resolution and refresh rate, battery capacity, sustained power, support policy, and price. Those details determine whether the hardware is a balanced handheld, not just whether its APU sounds powerful.
If you are shopping for a compact desktop
Consider the MAGNUS line by graphics class and workload: ONE or EN for announced discrete-GPU configurations, EA for an AMD integrated-graphics platform, and ZBOX C/M for quieter or general-purpose compact computing. Confirm the exact SKU and regional specifications, upgrade options, power supply, noise behavior and whether memory or storage must be purchased separately before ordering.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
