Zotac's new OLED handheld gaming PC runs a Linux-based OS

Forward-looking: The imminent release of Valve's Linux-based SteamOS for devices other than the Steam Deck might cause handheld gaming PCs and other devices to drop Windows. However, Zotac aims to demonstrate that Valve's operating system isn't the only path toward a Linux-powered handheld PC. Zotac will showcase a follow-up to its Zone handheld gaming PC at Computex next week. The device features upgraded hardware specs and a new operating system based on Linux distro Manjaro, evoking the Steam Deck's software strategy. Like most handheld gaming PCs, the original Zotac Zone comes with Windows 11 pre-installed. While this ensures native compatibility with most PC games, Microsoft's OS feels clumsy on small screens and is difficult to navigate without a mouse and keyboard. The Steam Deck overcame these issues with SteamOS, which uses Arch Linux and Valve's Proton compatibility layer to provide a handheld-friendly interface with numerous gaming optimizations. Click to enlarge The app ... Read full article.