While we missed the chance to try out the initial prototype of the more powerful Ryzen AI 9 370HX version of Zotac’s Zone handheld at CES 2025, we did manage to get our hands on it at the brand’s booth during Computex 2025 in Taipei. Or rather, an updated version of it.
This time around, instead of running on a Windows operating system, the newer prototype comes with Manjaro OS. While it’s not SteamOS, this Linux-based system is said to offer a smoother and more optimised experience like Valve’s own – especially with less things running in the background and systems primarily focused on delivering performance while gaming. Also onboard is an updated version of the brand’s Gaming One launcher, which supports various platforms (Steam, Epic Games, etc.) and allows users to customise settings such as power, audio, and more.
Meanwhile, the shift to the AMD Ryzen AI 9 370HX processor and Radeon 890M graphics is a noteworthy upgrade. The RAM has also been improved, though Zotac has yet to decide whether the final model will come with 24GB or 32GB. Regardless, the differences compared to the original Ryzen 7 model are already quite apparent.
In our brief hands-on, the updated Zotac Zone ran Street Fighter 6 at higher settings with consistent frame rates above 60fps while unplugged – a significant improvement over the original. We also ran a benchmark for Game Science’s Black Myth: Wukong, which similarly delivered frame rates over 60fps. That said, the graphics were set to recommended settings rather than highest. Despite the Zone’s performance boost, Zotac still recommends enabling in-game dynamic scaling in most titles to ensure consistent performance.
In terms of battery, the handheld retains the same 48.5Wh capacity as the original. Unfortunately, with our limited hands-on time, we couldn’t determine whether the Ryzen AI 9 370HX has a noticeable impact on battery life – though given the processor’s higher performance, that seems likely.
As for everything else, the updated Zone retains the same design – now in a new all-white colour – and hardware as the original model, so there aren’t many changes on that front. Much like the Ryzen 7 version, standout features include a 7-inch AMOLED touchscreen with 1080p resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 800 nits of peak brightness, along with hall effect joysticks and triggers, dual touchpads, two USB-C ports, a built-in webcam, and a rear kickstand.
The fingerprint sensor also makes a return. I did, however, raise a suggestion with the Zone’s designer – who was present at Computex 2025 – about moving it to the right-hand side, a gripe I previously mentioned in my review of the Ryzen 7 model. Whether that change will make it into the finalised version remains to be seen. But hey, at least I tried.
There’s no official pricing yet for the Ryzen AI 9 version of the Zotac Zone, though it’s expected to come in higher than the original, given the updated core hardware. As for release timing, the company says it is aiming to launch the handheld sometime this year – likely from the third quarter onwards.
