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The ONEXPLAYER line of handheld gaming PCs feature Nintendo Switch-style designs with a screen sandwiched between a set of game controllers. But so far they’ve lacked one feature that makes the Switch special: those controllers aren’t detachable.

That’s set to change next year with the launch of the ONEXPLAYER 2. It’s first model in the lineup to feature removable controllers, allowing you to use the device as a gaming handheld, a tablet, or a laptop (with an optional keyboard accessory). The ONEXPLAYER 2 goes up for pre-order December 18th through an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign, with early bird prices starting at $899 for a model with an and AMD Ryzen 7 6800U processor, 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. The handheld gaming computer should begin shipping to backers in March or April, 2023.

The company has changed the launch date for the crowdfunding campaign a few times. First it was set to begin on November 25th, but then the date was pushed back to December 20th. Why has the company moved it up two days? Most likely to launch ahead of the GPD Win 4 handheld gaming PC, which is set to hit Indiegogo on December 19th.

Both little computers feature AMD Ryzen 7 6800U processors with Radeon 680M integrated graphics and at least 16GB of RAM. GPD’s model is a little smaller, with a 6 inch display. But that screen also slides upward to reveal a physical keyboard, something the ONEXPLAYER 2 doesn’t have.

What the ONEXPLAYER 2 does have is an 8.4 inch, 2560 x 1600 pixel display, a 65.8 Wh battery, and detachable controllers. While Nintendo innovated the tablet-with-detachable controllers design, it’s a style that’s becoming slightly more popular. The Razer Edge Android tablet, for example, has a similar design. But the ONEXPLAYER 2 stands out from both the Switch and the Edge thanks to its larger, higher-resolution display and full-fledged PC specs.

One Netbook has indicated it’ll be available with a choice of the AMD or 13th-gen Intel mobile processors, but since Intel hasn’t officially launched those chips yet, only the AMD models will be available for pre-order initially. Here’s a run-down of pricing for the ONEXPLAYER 2 crowdfunding campaign:

ConfigurationEarly Bird priceIndiegogo priceRetail price
16GB + 512GB$899$989$1249
16GB + 1TB$999$1099$1349
16GB + 2TB$1099$1209$1500
32GB + 1TB$1099$1209$1500
32GB + 2TB$1299$1429$1599

That makes early bird prices are $100 higher for the ONEXPLAYER 2 than they would be for a GPD Win 4 with similar specs, and after early bird deals sell out the price will go even higher (GPD isn’t doing early bird deals this time around – all Indiegogo backers will get the same price).

Those prices may not include the detachable controllers though, as they’re listed as an optional accessory with a retail price of $79 and crowdfunding prices starting at $59.

So if you’re looking for an AMD-powered handheld gaming PC with RDNA 2 graphics it looks like you have a few options:

  • Pay $399 and up for Valve’s Steam Deck
  • Pay $799 and up for a GPD Win 4 if you want more horsepower and a physical keyboard
  • Pay $899 and up for a ONEXPLAYER 2 if you want a big screen and detachable controllers
  • Pay $857 and up for an AYA Neo Geek or AYA Neo 2 if you don’t need the detachable controllers

It’s probably worth keeping in mind that the last three options involve crowdfunding, while the first does not.

The ONEXPLAYER 2 handheld measures 310 x 127 x 22.5mm with the joysticks attached, or 208mm wide when used as a tablet without the joysticks. It’s also designed to work with an optional pen accessory that supports 4096 levels of pressure-sensitive input, and could also be used with a Bluetooth keyboard if you want to use the gaming tablet as a pseudo-laptop.

One thing to keep in mind though, is that while One Netbook produces some very intriguing hardware, the company has a spotty track record with customer service and support.

While I’ve been fairly impressed with a number of demo units the company has sent me to review over the years, in that time I’ve also heard a number of complaints from customers who were unable to get the company to offer repairs, refunds, or other support.

One Netbook will also offer a series of optional accessories, with crowdfunding pricing starting at:

  • $39 – Magnetic Keyboard
  • $39 – Stylus
  • $69 – Magnetic Keyboard + Stylus bundle
  • $29 – Protective case
  • $9 – Tempered Glass screen protector

via /r/ONEXPLAYER (1)(2)

This article was originally published November 21, 2022 and most recently updated December 15, 2022. 

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12 replies on “ONEXPLAYER 2 with detachable controllers coming in 2023 (handheld gaming PC)”

  1. I prefer if they improved on the OneGx1 line. Maybe even make it smaller. Definitely not bigger like what GPD is doing.

    The OneGx1 definitely needs improvements but I really like the 7″ screened clamshell concept.

  2. Will this have built-in 4G/5G and an improved keyboard attachment (the original one was pretty bad)?

  3. Ah man. So no more OneGx1 line? I have one with 4G (4G is great when traveling!). It definitely needs improvement but the form factor + very small size in general is great for a combo UMPC + gaming handheld.

    1. Yeah, a Win 2 successor, a much smaller Win Max 2 or an updated OneGx1 4G that’s not bigger (maybe even smaller if that back can be smaller) would be enticing enough for me to get in addition to my Steam Deck. I’d risk these small companies’ not great QC and bad support.

      6800U and the other things these have just aren’t enough unless you can’t easily get a Deck nor get Valve’s most excellent post-sales support.

      1. Same. Clam shells no bigger than the OneGx1/smaller than the Win Max 1 are the only ones I’d buy for the next couple of years now that I have a Steam Deck (unless there’s a Deck 2 before then).

        For slab form factors, the differences just aren’t enough and there are too many positives buying from Valve over these small not well run companies.

  4. Nintendo didn’t innovate the design, they only optimized it. Literally the SOLE innovation of the Switch is that each controller half can function as it’s own standalone controller.

  5. I was hoping for One Netbook to make another attempt at the OneGx1 form factor: clam shell/small notebook (smaller than the Win Max) with built-in 4G/5G.

    Detachable controllers wasn’t the part I particularly wanted to make a comeback. Although it does make my OneGx1 Pro LTE more portable if I’m only using for UMPC purposes.

    1. I guess One Netbook has given up on the clamshell form factor since the newer OneXPlayer is getting a sequel before the OneGx1.

      Too bad. I passed on the Win Max 2 since it’s too big for the form factor.

    2. I suppose they could actually use the controller rails to have both form factors. They’d just need to have a keyboard accessory with a hinge that has a couple of protrusions that slide into the rails. Ideally with an extra battery in it to balance the weight.
      I wouldn’t bet on that though. Market research says everyone’s buying the slab shape…never mind that that’s because because everyone making handheld PCs are only making the slab shape. And they’re making the slab shape because the steam deck sold well, never mind that it sells because it’s good value for the money.

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