Antec’s newly launched Core HS handheld is a compact but highly flexible machine that enables its users to use the built-in keyboard for various operations. The Core HS is somewhat equivalent to the ROG Ally in computing performance but has a smaller screen. Still, two different configurations of the console offer more options than users can have with ROG Ally or any other rivals.
The Core HS handheld is a Ryzen 7 7840U-powered console with 6-inch display
Since the launch of the Steam Deck, many manufacturers have started building their own gaming handhelds. Now Antec has entered the market with its first gaming handheld, the Core HS. The Core HS is going to compete directly with ASUS ROG Ally but has various differences in specifications and features, that provide users with more options than the latter. Unlike ROG Ally, the Core HS doesn’t settle with just the controls but also provides a dedicated keyboard for versatile functionality.
Core HS has a 6-inch IPS display that hides the keyboard underneath. The screen can slide to the top revealing the keyboard just like a laptop. As the Core HS runs on the Windows 11 operating system, the keyboard is highly beneficial in cases where users would like to perform more operations apart from gaming. The Core HS uses the AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor, featuring 8 cores and 16 threads, rated at 28W. It’s slightly downgraded than the 7840HS processor with a lower base clock and should be roughly equivalent to the processor used in ROG Ally.
The battery life is, however, just 46.2Wh, which is significantly lower than the ASUS’s handheld. Still, the gaming console has an advantage with the built-in keyboard plus the option to choose between two different RAM/Storage configurations. Users can either opt for the 16GB/512GB configuration or the 32GB/2TB model based on their preferences. The former will cost €499 and the latter is available for €599 and both editions are available in Black and White editions. This puts the Core HS against the ROG Ally as well as Ayaneo Air Plus where the Ayaneo machine is significantly costlier with inferior CPU.
The Antec Core HS Hall Effect triggers and joysticks for pleasant gameplay and uses an X-axis Linear Motor for vibration. Connectivity is also good with 2x USB 4 Type C ports, 1x SD 7.0 TF card slot, and an M.2 connector that can fit a full-size 2280 form-factor SSD. Additionally, WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 are available for wireless connectivity for a flawless experience.
The console weighs just 650g and measures 226mm x 90mm x 28.5mm, which makes it smaller than most gaming handhelds. Still, even with a 6-inch display, the Core HS brings a full HD resolution with up to 400 nits of brightness and a good color gamut of 100% sRGB and 85% DCI-P3 coverage. Unlike its rivals from other brands, the Core HS will have the advantage of the keyboard, which is a deal-breaker for a Windows-based machine.
