Handheld market heating up: ADATA XPG NIA handheld prototype showcased at Computex
The company is still collecting feedback and final specs are yet to be decided.
This year’s Computex has been packed with gaming handhelds. Companies are showcasing their new prototypes and devices that will soon hit the shelves. Among the newcomers to the market are ZOTAC, who have developed their first device with an AMOLED screen, and ADATA, who are working on their system, still under active development.
However, the XPG NIA could be one of the most interesting devices yet, given its entirely new design and unique design choices, such as the liftable/tilted screen. Whether that’s actually necessary on a handheld is not something we can judge from a photo, but we have seen similar devices with a slidable screen that uncovers a full physical keyboard. There is no keyboard on this device, though, so it’s just a convenient design for more comfortable gameplay.
XPG NIA Handheld Details
- SOC: AMD Phoenix APU (Ryzen 7 8840U or Ryzen Z1 Extreme)
- MEMORY: First handheld with LPCAMM (user upgradeable)
- MEMORY: LPDDR5X Memory Specs up to 64GB capacity
- FEATURE: 3D-Printed models for user customizations
- PRICE: Competitive pricing ~$600
- RELEASE DATE: Early 2025
However, that’s not even why this handheld is so interesting. Apparently, it will feature the LPCAMM2 memory, which is also manufactured by ADATA. This type of memory combines the benefits of high-speed LPDDR5X memory with the fact that it can be removed or upgraded per user’s choice. This means that one can buy the cheapest version of the handheld and later upgrade the memory should that be necessary, and it doesn’t even have to be ADATA memory since LPCAMM is a JEDEC standard.
Another reason why it might be interesting is that it will feature an AMD Ryzen APU, based on Phoenix. XPG is not confirming the APU yet, but attendees have learned it is either Ryzen 7 8840U or Ryzen Z1 Extreme. One report even mentioned it could be the latest architecture (Ryzen AI 300), but this is not confirmed by the official datasheet.
ADATA is committing to offer 3D models for user upgrades. Alternatively, it will be possible to remove the motherboard from the NIA and use that for a different purpose, think Mini-PC, file server, or whatever comes to mind. A really interesting idea indeed.
The real reason why the XPG NIA will make a significant impact is its surprisingly reasonable price. Unlike other companies like ZOTAC, which often charge high prices for new devices, ADATA is keeping the cost of the NIA handheld competitive, knowing that next-gen AMD APUs are just around the corner. According to HardwareBusters, who attended Computex and had a hands-on experience with the NIA, ADATA has promised a price close to $500, other saying XPG is aiming at sub-$600 price.
However, the downside is the release date, which is aimed at early 2025, possibly around CES. By the time this device launches, discussions will already be focusing on the next-next-gen APU series.
Computex 2024 Gaming Handhelds | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
VideoCardz | ADATA XPG NIA |
MSI CLAW 8 AI+ |
ZOTAC ZONE |
ASUS ROG Ally X |
Picture | ||||
Architecture | AMD Zen4 & RDNA3 | Intel Lion Cove, Skymont | AMD Zen4 & RDNA3 | AMD Zen4 & RDNA3 |
APU | Ryzen 7 8840U or Ryzen Z1 Extreme 8C/16T up to 5.1 GHz |
Core Ultra 200V | AMD Ryzen 7 8840U 8C/16T up to 5.1 GHz |
Ryzen Z1 Extreme 8C/16T up to 5.1 GHz |
SoC GPU | AMD iGPU 12CU @ 2.7 GHz |
Arc Graphics 8 Xe2-C (?) |
AMD iGPU 12CU @ 2.7 GHz |
AMD iGPU 12CU @ 2.7 GHz |
External GPU | TBC | Thunderbolt 4 | USB4 | USB4 |
Memory Capacity | up to 64GB LPDDR5X (LPCAMM) | TBC | 16GB LPDDR5X-7500 | 24GB LPDDR5X-7500 |
Storage Capacity | TBC | TBC | 512GB | 1TB |
Storage Type | M.2 2230 PCIe4x4 | TBC | M.2 2280 PCIe4x4 | M.2 2280 PCIe4x4 |
Display | 7″ TBC | 8″ 1920×1080 120Hz VRR | 7″ 1080p AMOLED 120Hz, 800 nits |
7″ 1080p, 120Hz, 500 nits, 7ms, VRR |
Connectivity | TBC | Wi-Fi 7 + BT 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E, BT 5.2 | Wi-Fi 6E, BT 5.2 |
Battery | TBC | 80 Wh | 48.5 Wh | 80 Wh |
Weight | 680-700 g | TBC | < 700g | 678g |
Dimensions (L×W×H) | TBC | TBC | 31.0 × 13.5 × 4.0 cm | 28.0 × 11.4 × 3.7 cm |
Default OS | Windows 11 | Windows 11 | Windows 11 | Windows 11 |
Retail Price | under $600 | TBC | TBC | TBC |
Release Date | TBC | TBC | Q3 2024 | June 2024 |
Note: the chart above lacks ANTEC handheld, which is basically a rebranding of AYANEO Slide.
Source: Golem, Liliputing, Retro Handhelds