OneXPlayer has released the OneXFly Apex, a handheld gaming PC featuring an optional external liquid-cooling tower to manage device temperatures [1].
This development marks a shift in handheld hardware by attempting to solve the thermal limitations that typically cause performance drops in portable devices. By offloading heat to an external tower, the device aims to run demanding AAA titles without the throttling common in smaller form factors [1, 3].
The OneXFly Apex is available for purchase online worldwide [2]. Pricing for the device begins at $1,599 [2] for models powered by AMD's Strix Halo APU. High-end configurations reach a maximum price of $2,299 [2].
While some describe the device as the world's first water-cooled handheld gaming PC [3], the cooling solution is not integrated into the chassis. Instead, the liquid cooling is provided via an external tower. This design choice has drawn scrutiny from industry critics regarding the nature of a "handheld" device.
"The OneXFly Apex has an optional external liquid cooling tower to help keep things chill, which kinda defeats the point of a handheld gaming PC if you ask me," PC Gamer staff said [2].
Despite the critique of its portability, proponents suggest the hardware pushes performance to new heights [1]. The external tower allows the system to maintain higher clock speeds for longer periods than traditional fan-based cooling systems found in competing handhelds. The device is positioned as a high-performance alternative to existing options, such as the GPD Win 5 [3].
“The world’s first water‑cooled handheld gaming PC is upon us.”
The OneXFly Apex represents an experiment in the 'ultra-handheld' market, testing whether enthusiasts are willing to sacrifice portability for desktop-level thermal management. By utilizing an external cooling tower, OneXPlayer is attempting to bypass the physical laws of heat dissipation in small chassis, effectively creating a hybrid between a portable console and a stationary workstation.
