ZOTAC GAMING ZONE Handheld getting a Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 prototype with a Manjaro Linux-based OS

Trackpads! They are doing something right.

Finally non steam deck device with dual touchpads. Idk why other contenders are missing this feature. Playing mouse heavy games on touchpad is a breeze.

Do note, we have no idea what the final device will look like, the included picture as noted below is the original model.

Going for another Linux solution than SteamOS is good news in a way in that, the adoption is appearing to go beyond just SteamOS. Great stuff from Zotac.

I hope that they will go with a better D-PAD (just the cross please) and without the spikes at the lower edges.

It is nice, that they are going with manjaro.

I am still waiting patiently for their own device with orangepi...which hardware is worse.

So this Zotac seems to be my desired model. Hopefully it will be released soonish :-)


Last edited by beiju on 14 May 2025 at 10:22 am UTC

Holyfuck!
when i saw an new device announced on the thumbnail, i was already happy thinking: ok, steam OS device right ?
HELL! even better! another linux device, companies wont be relying on SteamOS only!

the fact that they are begting on linux, not just on a valve branded one is quite promissing, i would say, the success of this device is more important than the success of steam deck or the other steamOS device that i forgot the name, this can prevent another android scenario!

now dont get me wrong, i will still purchase games mostly on steam and gog as a second option, and if/when i can afford, purchase an steamdeck instead, but i'm really excited now!

not to mention, another big thing: trackpads! i hope those become default and the industry start develop more games specifically targeting this form of input, we need inovation in gameplay , not just graphics, and new types of controler is one are where we can start this inovation, imagine if we didnt had thumbsticks to this day!

looking at the device , it dont seem to be as confortable as the steam deck (i mean the position of some things seems awkward to use)
and this d-pad looks REALLY BAD, not to mention the plastic looks cheap, hopefully im wrong.
[edit]
never mind its a prototype, forget everything i said


Last edited by elmapul on 14 May 2025 at 11:55 am UTC

They just need to copy the Steam Deck control layout for touchpads. Those are in a really awful location. Or better yet: make the first portable with customizable controls, a-la the Thrustmaster ESWAP or the Turtlebeach Victrix Pro.


Last edited by M@GOid on 14 May 2025 at 11:55 am UTC

Hopefully it'll see a release.
What devices do we have then that are/will be shipping with Linux pre-installed?

• Steam Deck (doh!)
• Legion Go S (SteamOS)
• Orange Pi Neo (Manjaro)
• Zotax Gaming Zone (Manjaro, maybe)

Any other devices we know about?

They just need to copy the Steam Deck control layout for touchpads

Imho not only the trackpads. I think the layout of analog sticks and dpad/buttons is surperior on Deck compared to this XBox-like layout all others have: [+°| |°᠅]


Last edited by Corben on 14 May 2025 at 1:32 pm UTC

Manjaro is an interesting choice, it's Arch-based like SteamOS and it is managed by a company which make it easier, from a company point of view, to work with than with the loose structures that manage most FOSS project (Valve is very good at working with them and its one of its strength. I find the means Valve use to intereract with the FOSS world fascinating).