The Steam Deck’s mantle of being the handheld gaming PC master for quite a while now has largely been due to its streamlined Linux-based SteamOS—a stark contrast to the typically clunky affair of Windows-based competition. That balance may be poised to shift, however, with the introduction of an unexpected challenger: the AOKZOE A1X.
A Promising Newcomer
First launched in April 2025 and so far only available by way of Kickstarter, the AOKZOE A1X is a fascinating new entrant into the handheld gaming arena. While its full-fledged launch is still on hold, early feedback from a pre-production unit suggests it could be the first Windows handheld to make it through the operating system’s storied limitations.
First impressions were divided. After testing the Ayaneo 3, hailed as the first modular Windows handheld, the A1X initially felt like a step down by comparison. But quickly, that was not the case. In no more than a few hours, it was apparent that the A1X provides something all too rare in Windows-based handhelds: a frustration-free, seamless user experience.
A Breakthrough for Windows Handhelds
Where the other devices such as the ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, MSI Claw, and Ayaneo 3 falter with crashes, UI glitches, and clunky controls, the A1X excels. During almost ten hours of straight gaming, not a single stutter or crash took place—even while switching on its quick-access tool, the OneXConsole.
Tweaking VRAM settings did not lead to system instability. The 120Hz variable refresh rate (VRR) screen on this device, native landscape orientation, and responsive touchscreen interface all contribute to an incredibly smooth ride. Even the A1X’s dedicated keyboard button is fully functional—a courtesy in a marketplace where this level of plain old functionality can sometimes feel like a luxury.
Performance That Rivals—and Surpasses—the Steam Deck
The A1X isn’t just a software stability thing, though. It’s giving seriously robust performance underneath, too. With the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor driving it, the same chip that drives the Ayaneo 3, the A1X has already outperformed its rivals in initial benchmarking.
In a quick test of playing Cyberpunk 2077 at 30W on the high graphics preset with AMD FSR 3 enabled at “Quality” and frame generation enabled, the A1X registered 55.94 fps. The Ayaneo 3, the same but lower 1080p resolution (compared to the A1X’s 1200p), only got 52 fps. These early observations would see the A1X maintain a performance lead over its more established software integration.
An Expensive Proposition
Despite all its merits, the A1X has one big stumbling block: expense. Kickstarter supporters will be able to have it for $1,159, but at retail, it will sell for $1,499. That’s asking a lot—especially from a device with top-flight performance and a Windows experience sensitively optimized.
The Road Ahead
It’s early days still for the AOKZOE A1X, and in the end its success will ride on long-term reliability, software support, and market acceptance. But if it keeps on this trajectory, the Steam Deck could very well be threatened by its most serious challenge yet, not just in pure power, but in user experience as well.
Eyeing a handheld PC soon? Don’t miss our carefully curated list of the best Steam Deck games—many of which also play well on high-powered Windows handhelds like the A1X.
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