The gaming landscape is evolving, and one of the latest entrants to capture the attention of both gamers and tech enthusiasts is the OneXPlayer X1 Pro. This intriguing device operates as both a convertible 2-in-1 PC and a gaming handheld, making it a remarkable addition to the portable gaming market. Recently refreshed with an upgraded chip, the OneXPlayer X1 Pro is now available in a limited-edition model inspired by the iconic anime series, Evangelion.

Powered by the impressive Intel Core Ultra 7 255H processor, the OneXPlayer X1 Pro brings a wealth of features to the table. This device can be found on Minixpc's website for a retail price of $1,649.99, making it a premium offering in the world of portable gaming.

In terms of design, the OneXPlayer X1 Pro presents a striking aesthetic that seems to merge elements of the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 with the Nintendo Switch 2. Its convertible nature allows users to switch between a full-fledged PC experience and a handheld gaming console, thanks to the detachable controllers that attach securely to each side. This flexibility is particularly appealing for gamers who may find holding a tablet-sized devicefeaturing a 10.95-inch displaytiresome during extended gaming sessions.

Upon its initial launch last year, the OneXPlayer X1 raised eyebrows with its sizeable screen for a gaming handheld. While it was undeniably larger than many competitors, this year's model, the X1 Pro, features a screen that is only slightly larger compared to other devices in the market. For instance, the Nintendo Switch 2 boasts a 7.9-inch display, which is a notable upgrade over the original Switch's screen size, while the MSI Claw 8 AI+ features an 8-inch display.

However, when it comes to handheld devices, even a couple of inches can dramatically alter the experience, making the OneXPlayer X1 Pro's expansive screen justifiable. Its this unique fusion of a gaming handheld and a 2-in-1 PC that raises interesting questions about its classification. Is it simply a 2-in-1, or does it deserve a label of its own as a 3-in-1 device?

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Despite its impressive specifications, the pricing of the limited-edition OneXPlayer X1 Pro, with its Evangelion theme, has raised some eyebrows. At $1,649.99, the device is undoubtedly positioned within the high-end market. For this premium price, consumers can expect a robust gaming PC that features a staggering 64GB of RAM and an expansive 2TB of storage. However, the choice of processorthe Intel Core Ultra 7 255Hhas left some potential buyers wanting more.

Many expected that a device of this caliber would be equipped with a Lunar Lake chip, which would offer superior graphics performance due to its Battlemage (Xe2) graphics capabilities. Lunar Lake processors are known to stack up impressively against the AMD Ryzen AI 300 (Strix Point) series in both performance and battery life. In contrast, the Arrow Lake-based Intel Core Ultra 7 255H is reported to have lesser graphics capabilities than its Lunar Lake counterparts, though it remains competent enough to run some of the most demanding PC games available today.

While the OneXPlayer X1 Pro is tailored for serious gaming, the expectations for its performance relative to its steep price point have led to some disappointment. Many tech enthusiasts are voicing their desire for a more powerful processor to match the premium features that this device offers. As the debate around the value of this device continues, it will be interesting to see how it fares in a competitive market.