The latest handheld from ONEXPLAYER features the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 388 and liquid cooling, priced quite steeply.

      Gaming handhelds have become increasingly powerful over the years, but their prices have also risen significantly. The new ONEXPLAYER X2 Mini Pro exemplifies this trend on a whole new level. Following its crowdfunding launch, ONEXPLAYER has started to sell the X2 Mini Pro directly from their online store. The base model is priced at $2,499, while the fully equipped version with 64GB RAM, a 2TB SSD, and the optional Frost Bay liquid cooling system costs an impressive $3,229. Deliveries are expected to commence in August.

      Desktop-grade hardware in a handheld

      The X2 Mini Pro features AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 388 processor, which comprises 8 Zen 5 CPU cores, 16 threads, and Radeon 8060S graphics based on the RDNA 3.5 architecture. Additionally, it includes an XDNA 2 NPU providing 50 TOPS, with the platform offering a total of up to 118 TOPS in combined AI performance.

      ONEXPLAYER

      The rest of the specifications are equally ambitious. Customers can choose between 48GB or 64GB of LPDDR5X RAM, with storage options reaching up to 2TB on a PCIe Gen4 SSD. It boasts an 8.8-inch OLED screen with a 1920 x 1200 resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, VRR support, and a maximum brightness of 1,100 nits. An 85Wh battery, detachable controllers, and a magnetic keyboard complete its 3-in-1 design, allowing it to operate as both a handheld device and a compact Windows PC.

      Moreover, buyers have the option to choose a Frost Bay liquid-cooled version of the X2 Mini Pro for an additional cost. This external cooling dock is designed to help the Ryzen AI Max+ 388 maintain its maximum 120W TDP during intensive gaming or AI tasks. ONEXPLAYER claims this setup enables the handheld to sustain peak performance longer than conventional air cooling alone.

      ONEXPLAYER

      It’s important to note that the pricing reflects these high ambitions. The entry-level 48GB/1TB model starts at $2,499, while the more advanced variants range from $2,799 to $3,079. Including the Frost Bay cooling dock takes the flagship 64GB/2TB model to $3,229, making it one of the priciest gaming handhelds available today.

      Who is this actually for?

      The X2 Mini Pro is evidently not intended to rival devices like the Steam Deck or ROG Ally X in terms of price. Instead, it targets enthusiasts seeking desktop-level performance in a portable form factor and who are ready to pay a substantial premium for it. With high-end AI capabilities, an ultra-quality OLED display, ample memory, and even optional liquid cooling, it occupies a unique niche.

      ONEXPLAYER

      Whether such a price exceeding $3,000 can be justified is a separate matter. At that cost, consumers could purchase a high-end gaming laptop or even build a powerful desktop PC. Nevertheless, the X2 Mini Pro demonstrates that gaming handhelds are no longer solely focused on portability; they are now pursuing flagship PC performance, regardless of cost.