The OneXPlayer Apex Air has quietly launched through the manufacturer’s official store, entering the competitive handheld gaming market with an Intel Arc G3 Extreme processor and a retail price of $1,839, according to senior tech writer Abid Ahsan Shanto reporting for Notebookcheck. The Intel-driven device offers a single configuration featuring 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, positioning it slightly above competitors like the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+.
Pricing and Specifications Compared to MSI Claw
At $1,839 in the official store, the OneXPlayer Apex Air edges past the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, which carries a launch price of $1,799 and runs on the same Intel Arc G3 Extreme architecture. According to Notebookcheck, the Apex Air differentiates itself through physical expansion options, including a mini SSD slot supporting up to 2TB drives alongside a microSD card slot that provides an additional 2TB of storage expansion.
Connectivity also separates the two Intel-based systems. While the OneXPlayer device drops the DC power port found on its AMD-powered sibling, it upgrades wireless capabilities by incorporating WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, according to Notebookcheck’s specification review.
Battery Design and Weight Trade-Offs
The Apex Air adopts an external battery configuration designed for uninterrupted gaming sessions away from wall outlets, but this approach impacts overall portability. Notebookcheck reports that the handheld weighs 699 grams without its 85Wh external battery attached. Adding the 380-gram battery brings the total weight to 1,079 grams.
For comparison, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ weighs 785 grams with its built-in 80Wh battery, making the OneXPlayer setup substantially heavier and less convenient for travel, according to Notebookcheck’s hands-on testing data.
Pro Tip: When evaluating heavy handheld gaming PCs that rely on external power bricks or clip-on batteries, check whether your preferred carrying case accommodates the extra bulk before traveling.
Shared Architecture With the AMD Apex
Beyond the processor shift, the Apex Air shares core hardware features with the AMD-driven OneXPlayer Apex. Notebookcheck confirms that the Intel variant retains an 8-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a dual-fan cooling system, and a 2280 PCIe M.2 storage slot.
Did you know? The OneXPlayer Apex Air lacks a traditional DC power port, relying entirely on modern USB-C power delivery and its modular external battery system for high-wattage operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the OneXPlayer Apex Air cost?
The device is priced at $1,839 in the official OneXPlayer store, according to Notebookcheck.
What are the storage expansion limits on the Apex Air?
According to Notebookcheck, the handheld supports up to a 2TB drive via its mini SSD slot and an additional 2TB through its microSD card slot.
How much does the Apex Air weigh with its battery?
The handheld weighs 699 grams alone, and the 85Wh external battery adds another 380 grams for a combined weight of 1,079 grams, according to Notebookcheck.
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