Handheld gaming PCs such as the Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion GO, and ASUS ROG Ally are making a splash in what was once a niche market. They’re small compared to laptops, yet these devices can run even the most demanding triple-A games reasonably well. And just like any capable gaming computer, these handhelds are also useful for other tasks like productivity and content creation.
However, their form factor isn’t exactly suited for non-gaming activities, especially when a keyboard is necessary. Brands like AYANEO and GPD have attempted to include tiny keyboards, but they’re more useful for quick chats than actual work. This new contender, though, aims to blend gaming and work seamlessly, showcasing a clever design that doesn’t sacrifice too much functionality.
Designer: ONE-NETBOOK
We’ve seen handheld gaming machines that resemble laptops, but they tend to squish the keyboard to make room for gaming controls like joysticks and buttons. This can lead to a functional but less-than-ideal experience, making typing tricky and gaming less enjoyable. Plus, for ergonomics, this setup might not be the best either. Unless we invent a shape-shifting computer or modular design (which has been tried before), there wasn’t a simple solution for combining the two until now.
In contrast to its predecessor that tried to mix the Nintendo Switch and Microsoft Surface tablet, the ONEXPLAYER G1 completely adopts the design of a compact 8.8-inch laptop. When you open it, you see a typical physical keyboard, along with a small touchpad, which might make you forget it’s a gaming device until you pop off the keyboard. Yes, the keyboard is wireless and held in place by magnets, which uncovers the gaming configuration underneath.
Situated underneath this detachable keyboard are analog sticks, a D-Pad, and face buttons—basically the core of a game controller. Since the keyboard isn’t critical, it allows for a better layout of buttons that feels similar to an Xbox controller. Naturally, there are triggers and shoulder buttons on the back, along with numerous extra buttons.
What’s intriguing about this design is that even in “gaming” mode, there’s still a split keyboard situated below the controls. It’s not entirely clear if these keys are capacitive on a glass surface or if they’re just low-travel keys designed for basic chatting. All in all, it’s a pretty unique concept for a handheld gaming PC, even if getting one might set you back the price of an actual laptop.
