A handheld gaming PC that leads with power—and price
The ONEXPLAYER 3 is a handheld gaming PC built around Intel’s Arc G3 Extreme gaming handheld processor with B390 graphics, aiming to deliver near RTX 4050‑class performance, a 144Hz AMOLED screen, and hybrid tablet–laptop flexibility at a premium starting price. The ONEXPLAYER 3 is ONEXPLAYER’s latest handheld console, announced with Intel’s Arc G3 Extreme processor featuring B390 graphics and now available for pre-order in three configurations on a crowdfunding platform. This is not a budget toy; it is a statement device aimed at enthusiasts who care more about frame rates and display quality than about staying under four figures.
Intel Arc G3 Extreme: performance-first silicon in your hands
At the heart of every ONEXPLAYER 3 is Intel’s Arc G3 Extreme chipset with Arc B390 graphics, described as offering GPU performance comparable to an NVIDIA RTX 4050. This is Intel’s top-tier gaming handheld processor, and the company also highlights an integrated NPU capable of up to 50 TOPS of AI performance and 180 TOPS of total platform AI compute. In plain terms, the chip is built to push modern games at high settings while supporting features like Intel XeSS 3 and frame generation for higher apparent frame rates. Late last month, Intel introduced its new Arc G3 line specifically to improve handheld gaming performance, and ONEXPLAYER is wasting no time in putting that silicon front and center.
Pricing: the cheapest Arc G3 Extreme console is still expensive
The ONEXPLAYER 3 starts at USD 1,399 (approx. RM6,460) for 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 512GB NVMe SSD, with a 1TB storage option for USD 100 (approx. RM460) more. The flagship configuration reaches USD 1,699 (approx. RM7,850) with 32GB of faster LPDDR5X and 1TB storage. That makes it the cheapest console yet with Intel’s Arc G3 Extreme, undercutting the MSI Claw 8 Ex AI Plus, which lists a similar 32GB/1TB spec at USD 1,799 (approx. RM8,310). One quotable takeaway: “Though USD 1,399 isn’t a cheap price at all, it’s a considerably lower entry point for potential customers.” The catch is obvious—while ONEXPLAYER beats other Arc G3 devices on sticker price, it still lives firmly in a USD 1,000–2,000 (approx. RM4,620–RM9,240) tier that has become the new norm for high-end handhelds.
Hardware upgrades that redefine ‘portable’ PC
If you are paying this much, the ONEXPLAYER 3 tries to justify every dollar. All variants share an 8.8‑inch Full HD AMOLED HDR display that hits up to 1100 nits, supports 100% DCI‑P3, and runs between 30Hz and 144Hz for smooth, colorful visuals. The 85Wh battery tops rivals that use 80Wh packs, promising longer sessions from the same gaming handheld processor. The device also blurs the line between console and ultralight PC: detachable controllers, a magnetic backlit keyboard, and a modular design mean it can act as laptop, tablet, or desktop-style PC. Connectivity is refreshingly complete, with two USB‑C ports, a USB‑A port, Mini SSD expansion, microSD, a headphone jack, plus Wi‑Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. These are not small upgrades; they turn the ONEXPLAYER 3 into a genuine “PC on the go” rather than a single-purpose console.
Where ONEXPLAYER 3 fits: premium rival to Steam Deck and beyond
The ONEXPLAYER 3 is not here to replace mainstream handhelds; it is here to sit above them. With its Arc G3 Extreme chip, 144Hz AMOLED screen, and high-capacity battery, it positions ONEXPLAYER as a premium alternative to devices like Valve’s popular handhelds, especially if one of its USB‑C ports supports DisplayPort and lets it stand in for a powerful living room PC. At the same time, it undercuts other Arc G3 competitors, making it the entry point for those who want Intel’s best handheld silicon without spending quite as much. The trade‑off is clear: the days of low-cost yet powerful handhelds are “riding off into the sunset,” while these new machines raise expectations—and prices—for what a handheld gaming PC can be. For anyone considering an ONEXPLAYER 3, the question is simple: are you willing to pay laptop money for console convenience and cutting-edge performance?
