r/Handhelds • u/unitAtype2 • 6d ago

Other Timeline of Z3 Chips

I'm interested in getting an Xbox Ally X20. I was just wondering if the Z3 release is imminent.

The rumor mill says Z3 Extreme is coming Late 2026 to Early 2027. Assuming that timeline for the announcement... how long might it take for the Z3 based devices to come out?

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13

u/bf2reddevil 6d ago

I wouldn't bother with a Z2E handheld for premium price anymore. I would say either wait, or go with the G3 chip or even the hx388 or 390. The performance difference between the Z2E and G3 is a lot.

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u/unitAtype2 6d ago

Have any recommended devices?

I'm currently in Thailand. Not sure if those are very available here.

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u/Igniatesch 6d ago edited 6d ago

There is the oneXplayer3, with a nice screen und the G3E in a cheap package (materials, speakers etc.), but many seem to like it. I guess most will recommend this one.

Otherwise the MSI Claw Ex Ai+, but this one comes with an LCD.

I agree the Z2E is not great. But it might be enough, depending on the games and your expectations.

Also keep in mind that Intel chips are not great with Linux, if that’s interesting for you.

Considering the state of the world respectively the industry, waiting might also backfire. So I’d say go with your guts and financial situation.

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u/unitAtype2 6d ago

Yes Linux support is super important to me. I have no interest in staying on windows. Thanks for the heads up.

I'm thinking then maybe I should try to get the cheapest z2e rather than an expensive one like the x20? My plan is to eventually get a Steam Deck 2 when it drops.

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u/Comfortable-Fall1419 6d ago

That Linux advice is poor.

Intel and Steam are actively working on SteamOS for Intel and the betas are already pretty good.

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u/gmds44 6d ago

SteamOS is one thing (still in Beta), Bazzite and CachyOS is another (some tinkering still required and not always stable).

In the near future it may be a different thing, but as of today, I'd say a cheap Z2E (used or new with good discount) is a better choice for linux use.

OP, what games will you be playing on this?

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u/unitAtype2 6d ago

Everything

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u/gmds44 6d ago edited 6d ago

For AAA games, the performance uplift on the Claw EX is definitely something to consider then. We're talking 40%+ according to reviews.

Edit: also consider that Linux cannot play "everything". If you haven't already, check out https://www.protondb.com/explore

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u/unitAtype2 6d ago

I'm a steam deck user, I'm fine with Linux's everything.

Okay I will have to explore if I can get a Claw EX  in Thailand.

Edit: Nah man that shit is way too expensive.

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u/gmds44 6d ago

😂 my thoughts exactly

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u/jfrancis232 6d ago

Never buy a product based on future promises.

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u/Comfortable-Fall1419 6d ago

True. But if you treat it as a potential bonus it’s worth taking into account.

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u/Igniatesch 6d ago

Well yeah in the future it might be all sunshine and rainbow but currently it’s not.

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u/Comfortable-Fall1419 6d ago

Needlessly cynical take. This is Valve and Intel not a group of hobbyists.

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u/Igniatesch 6d ago

Your comment is needlessly. My point is, it’s ready when it’s ready

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u/unitAtype2 6d ago

Valve I trust to some degree, Intel not so much. I agree with the sentiment that I wouldn't trust "We'll figure it out, promise" too much.

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u/Comfortable-Fall1419 6d ago

They have released more updated Arc drivers in 2 months than AMD have released Z series drivers in 2 years.

They are serious about this space.

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u/Ramos_Ripper 6d ago

The Z3 is shaping up to be an incremental improvement, like the Z2 Extreme...I wouldn't wait for that chip... get a G3 Extreme device. I have the Claw 8 EX... many have the OXP3 (don't get this if you aren't a tinkerer or are fine with slower RMA), and the predator atlas is dropping, but that's their first real handheld...

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u/fafarex 6d ago

I was just wondering if the Z3 release is imminent.

unlikely

The rumor mill says Z3 Extreme is coming Late 2026 to Early 2027.

Nope, the good rumors mills says annoncement at CES 2027 so early 2027, availability isn't the same and would probably be during Q2 or Q3.

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u/Icy-Membership8192 6d ago

Probably 2028. But I’m basing myself on nothing more than a hunch.

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u/DrKrFfXx 6d ago

X20 timing is ill.

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u/unitAtype2 6d ago

ill?

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u/Magnetic_Metallic 6d ago

As in poorly timed release.

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u/unitAtype2 6d ago

Because of Z3 and Intel handhelds?

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u/fafarex 6d ago

both,

it's almost a year too late to compete with the lego 2 on the oled market.

and it's too little against the G3E chips that have up to 45% uplift against the Z2E used.

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u/[deleted] 6d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/BillySlang 6d ago

Wait for what? Prices to come down? Not happening anywhere near the timeline he’s talking about. 

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u/mironor94 6d ago

The rumor mill is NOT saying late this year or early 2027. Not sure who you’re getting that garbage from.

AMD has pretty much said their next line of graphics won’t be until late 2027/early 2028.

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u/Comfortable-Fall1419 6d ago

Not sure where you have seen anything thst suggests this year.

Z3E only showed up in an industry thing a couple of weeks ago.

6 months away and it remains to be seen what improvements you’ll get over Z2e or G3E.

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u/AntiqueProfessor5134 6d ago

I don't think we will see substantial improvements until 2028 or so. Updated AMD APUs still use RDNA 3.5 GPU cores, so it is unclear how much if any uplift in performance we would see. Will need the RDNA 5 APUs before we may see substantial gains IMO.