The introduction of the OneXPlayer in 2021 marks the entry of One-Netbook into the portable PC gaming niche market and the overall video gaming market. The company has built its name in designing and manufacturing ultraportable computers. Nevertheless, its particular portable gaming device can be a little bit confusing because it can also be considered as a handheld touchscreen PC with built-in controllers for video gaming.
It is similar to Steam Deck in terms of its unique value proposition. Furthermore, it competes against other portable gaming devices such as the Nintendo Switch, including the Switch OLED and the Switch Lite, as well as other handheld gaming devices such as Android smartphones and tablets and the iPhone and iPad. This article reviews the advantages and disadvantages or the pros and cons of OneXPlayer
Pros of OneXPlayer: Reasons Why You Should Buy
The first-ever OneXPlayer from One-Netbook sports an Intel Core i7-1195G7 CPU and an Intel Iris Xe (96 EU) graphics processor. Note that the company has also introduced a model running on an AMD Ryzen 5800U, a cheaper model powered by an AMD Ryzen 4800U, and the OneXPlayer Mini model running on either Core i7-1195G7 or Ryzen 5800U.
Below are the notable specifications and features, as well as reasons why you might want to check out this portable PC gaming device:
• Sturdy Build Quality and Ergonomic Design: One of the commendable characteristics of the OneXplayer is its build quality made of high-grade acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or ABS plastic that feels solid. Furthermore, it is also comfortable to hold despite its massive size because it is designed with ergonomics in mind to enable prolonged usage, primarily when used as a handheld PC gaming device.
• Large and High-Resolution Touch-Screen: The large touchscreen display is an 8.4-inch in-plane switching or IPC LCD with a 2560×1600 resolution and 358 PPI density. It is also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for added scratch-proofing and shatter-proofing. Color reproduction is decent and images look sharp and crisp.
• Comes with Windows 10 Home Pre-Installed: Another notable advantage of the OneXplayer is that it comes with Windows 10 Home out-of-the-box. It is fundamentally a portable Windows-based PC. Users can take advantage of the expansive game library available for this OS while also using other Windows-based apps. The device can be docked into a 4K monitor via USB.
• Other Hardware Specs and Connectivity: This device has 512GB of storage based on PCIe 4.0 solid-state drive technology and a 16GB DDR4-4266 memory. It also has 2 USB 4.0 Type C ports, a USB 3.0 Type A port, and a 3.5mm audio jack, as well as WiFi-6 and Bluetooth 5 for wireless connectivity.
The core specifications and features mentioned above make the OneXPlayer both a true portable personal computer and a capable handheld device for PC gaming. Regardless if it comes with an Intel Core i7 or an AMD Ryzen 5800U processor, it can run game titles with average to above-average hardware or requirements or at medium to low graphics settings.
Specifically, this device can run games at 1280×720 to 1280×800 resolution and 35 to 60 frames per second. Examples include Shadow of the Tomb Raider and GTA V at medium to low settings. Both the Core i7 and the Ryzen 5800U are mass-market CPUs used in mid-range laptops and desktop computers, as well as dedicated mid-range gaming laptops.
Cons of OneXPlayer: Reasons Why You Should Not Buy
The fact that the OneXPlayer is a portable PC comes with notable disadvantages. Users should not expect this device to perform as well as top-tier laptops and desktop computers. Furthermore, when it comes to PC gaming, one should not assume that it can play games at maximum settings or specific titles that are resource-intensive by default.
Below are the notable limitations and issues, as well as reasons why you should think twice about purchasing this portable PC gaming device:
• Windows Is Not Optimized For Handheld: The 8.4-inch IPS LCD screen might be large for a portable computer but the fact remains that Windows is not optimized for screens under 10 inches. Compared with tablets running Android or iPads running iPadOS, the user interface of Windows still looks and works as if they are solely intended for large screens used in laptops and desktops.
• Cannot Run Triple-A PC Game Titles: Another major disadvantage of OneXPlayer is its inability to run AAA games due to the limitations of its hardware components. To be fair, other handheld PC gaming devices such as the Steam Deck also struggle to run graphics-heavy games or those set at maximum settings.
• Fans Can Get Too Loud and Distracting: When pushed to its limits, especially when running hardware-demanding games and applications, the fans can get too loud as they try to keep the device as cool as possible to prevent overheating. The noise can be distracting, especially because the built-in speakers of this device are not enough to drown the sound. Users should use headphones instead.
• Notable Navigation and Controls Issues: Remember that Windows is not optimized for small screens. Furthermore, it is also not ideal for touch inputs and controllers. Navigating through this device using these inputs can be a chore, especially considering that Windows remains the default user interface.
• Relatively an Expensive Handheld Console: Another disadvantage of the OneXPlayer is its premium pricing. The Intel Core i7 model retails for USD 1199.00 while the AMD Ryzen 5800U is priced at USD 1259.00. These price points can buy users decent gaming desktop computers. Note that the Steam Deck retails only for only USD 399.00 while the OLED model of the Nintendo Switch retails for USD 349.99.
Conclusion: A Review of the Pros and Cons of OneXPlayer
The disadvantages of OneXPlayer make it an unappetizing handheld game console, especially considering that there are other options in the market. The Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch remain its biggest competitors. Furthermore, with its expensive price tag, coupled with its notable hardware limitations, this device might not appeal to hardcore gamers who might be better off sticking to their dedicated gaming laptops or desktop computers.
However, it is still true that this device remains a functional portable Windows-based computer. The fact that it can be docked means that users have a mobile PC that they can bring anywhere. In addition, with support for USB 4.0, there is a possibility for compatibility with an external GPU dock in the future to address the limitations of its internal processors. The major advantage of OneXPlayer still rests on its portability.
