Indiegogo staffers are putting crowdfunded products to the test in our new series of honest reviews. In this edition, our team reviews and gets a first look at OneXFly, a trending gaming handheld that everyone in our crowdfunding community is talking about. Does it live up to the hype? Read on as we put it to the test!
The landscape of gaming is one that sees its fair share of consoles and platforms coming and going. In the ever-expanding universe of portable gaming, a fresh contender has boldly stepped onto the scene, aiming to seize the hearts of on-the-go gamers seeking a seamless blend of power and portability. Enter the OneXFly, a creation by the gaming wizards at One-Netbook that promises an unparalleled escapade through the digital realms, all packaged within a compact, visually striking shell.
So upon the launch of their new crowdfunding campaign, the big question was whether it could hold its own against industry titans, like the Steam Deck. As avid gamers here at Indiegogo who thrive on immersive gameplay no matter where we are, we got our tech-savvy hands on this fresh entrant, and here’s what we found out. Read on for the nitty-gritty breakdown!
Design: Sleek Form Meets Function
From a design standpoint, OneXFly has certainly done its homework. The first thing you’ll notice is the ultra-thin bezel, which offers a nearly uninterrupted view of the game. Sleek? Absolutely. With bezels narrowed down to around 5mm, the OneXFly promises an expansive gaming view without feeling bulky. Its compact design hinted at true portability, something we’d been seeking for ages.
But the pièce de résistance? Its feather-light disposition. Weighing a mere 580 grams, this handheld marvel emerges as a bonafide dream, lightweight enough to practically vanish into your pocket. It makes the Steam Deck feel a touch on the heavier side, with its bulkier build.
Combine its weight with the ultra-thin bezels at the top and bottom — a design choice that not only serves an aesthetic purpose but also ensures that the OneXFly fits perfectly into your pocket while turning heads.
Ergonomics and Aesthetics: A Dynamic Duo
The marriage of form and function extends to the ergonomic grip that not only pampers your palms during extended gaming sessions but also flaunts a visual charm that lingers.
Be it a casual session or an all-night marathon, the OneXFly delivers a tactile satisfaction that only enhances the gaming experience.
Under the Hood: Features That Shine
Don’t let its good looks fool you. Beyond the aesthetics, the OneXFly boasts impressive specs. From the AMD R7 7840U processor to the AMD Radeon™ 780M graphics card, the console promises performance to match its looks. The range of memory options, maxing out at 64GB, is also impressive, ensuring quicker loading times, smoother performance, and supports multitasking for gamers who want to juggle voice chats, browsers, and streaming tools.
Our prototype came with a 60Hz display, but knowing that the consumer version is slated for 120Hz had us genuinely excited for what’s on the horizon. The 7-inch screen IPS fully laminated screen, even on our 60Hz prototype, rendered games beautifully. The visuals pop with vibrancy, and the high refresh rate is the proverbial cherry on top, delivering smooth gameplay that’s oh-so-satisfying.
For games where audio plays a pivotal role, the OneXFly seems well-equipped. The audio, thanks to the Harman AudioEFX speakers and stereo 2.0 setup, was an experience in itself. The auditory experience was clear, crisp, and immersive, and served to heighten the visuals.
Your Own Personal Touch: Customization and Mastery
OneXFly has gone the extra mile by allowing users to fine-tune their gaming experience. A standout feature is the exclusive RGB nameplate customization on both sides of the handheld. For gamers who love to personalize their gear, this feature offers an added touch of flair.
They also deserve a nod for empowering users with their own OneXConsole software. Through the OneXConsole software, accessible with a short press of the Turbo button, I was able to control various settings like TDP power consumption, CPU/GPU frequency, fan speed, RGB lighting effects, resolution, brightness, and volume.
The caveat? Some software features were a tad elusive in the prototype we tested, but it’s reassuring to know that these will be fine-tuned and polished before mass shipment. You can follow their journey by engaging with their crowdfunding community on their Indiegogo campaign page!
Gaming On the Go: Portability and Accessibility
Equipped with a 48W battery, the OneXFly promises extended gameplay, so you have power anywhere you go. And when it’s time to charge, you have the choice between a 65W or 100W gallium nitride fast charger, ensuring a quick top-up and more game time.
As a team of tech early adopters who appreciates the freedom of gaming from anywhere, the OneXFly resonated with us on a personal level. Being able to slip a powerful gaming handheld into our pockets and instantly dive into immersive worlds was liberating. The OneXFly tapped into the very essence of what modern gaming should be – accessible, engaging, and personal. It’s a thrill that’s hard to articulate.
The Gameplay Experience vs. Steam Deck: Does It Walk the Talk?
Upon firing up the OneXFly, we were eager to push its limits. Our choice of games ranged from graphics-intensive AAA titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 to indie cult favorites like Dave the Diver.
The AMD R7 7840U processor combined with the AMD Radeon™ 780M graphics card made quick work of rendering intricate game details. Loading times felt snappier compared to other devices we’ve tested, and frame rates remained steady even in action-packed sequences.
The highlight, of course, was the display. Even with the prototype’s 60Hz refresh rate, gameplay was smooth. The anticipation for the 120Hz in the final version only grows stronger, as it promises to elevate the experience even further. The 7-inch IPS screen brought out vivid colors and sharp contrasts, making each gaming session a treat for the eyes.
Baldur’s Gate 3
The rich, sprawling world of Baldur’s Gate 3 rendered beautifully on the OneXFly. Details were sharp, thanks to the 1920×1080 resolution, and the gameplay was smooth. Smooth gameplay, high-octane graphics, and quick load times – it’s like they’ve packed a PC into this tiny frame.
When side-by-side with the Steam Deck, differences start to emerge. While both systems manage Baldur’s Gate 3 seamlessly, OneXFly had a slight edge in color vibrancy.
Dave the Diver
This more laid-back title showcased the OneXFly’s versatility, and the device kept pace beautifully. The vibrant colors popped on the screen, and the gameplay was fluid. An unexpected delight!
The OneXFly seemed to handle both intense RPGs and lighter titles with equal grace.
Navigating the game through the OneXConsole software, we felt a sense of control, customizing everything from power consumption to fan speed. It allowed us to tweak various settings on-the-fly. Game tinkerers will be in their element here.
The OneXFly vs. Steam Deck
Look, Steam Deck is an undeniable beast. Valve did a fantastic job there. While the Steam Deck has Valve’s renowned ecosystem and established reputation backing it, the OneXFly certainly carves out its niche, especially for those who prioritize design, portability, and a personalized touch. It’s not just about which device is “better” but more about which device suits the individual needs and preferences of each gamer.
Final Thoughts
The OneXFly is not just another gaming handheld. It’s a statement piece. It says that gaming can be powerful, immersive, and truly mobile.
While real-world extended testing remains, our initial impressions are nothing short of impressed. From just the prototype version, it has positioned itself as a serious contender in the gaming space. Its compact design, immersive screen, and powerhouse internals make it a device worth considering, especially for gamers who prioritize mobility. For those in search of a sleek, powerful handheld gaming device that won’t weigh you down — literally or figuratively — OneXFly is worth a closer look.
That said, as with all crowdfunding campaigns, there’s a degree of trust required from backers. If the OneXFly delivers on all its promises, it’s poised to change the game (pun intended) for handheld consoles. The future truly lies in the palm of our hands. Gaming on the go just reached a whole new level with the OneXFly!
