abxylute One Review: A Budget Cloud Gaming Handheld with Surprising Versatility
The handheld gaming market is booming, and South African gamers have more options than ever. From high-powered portable PCs to lightweight Android-based devices, there’s something for everyone. The abxylute One is one of the latest entrants—and it offers a unique take on portable gaming.
Unlike heavy-hitters like the Asus ROG Ally or MSI Claw, the abxylute One focuses on cloud gaming and remote play instead of running modern games natively. It’s affordable, lightweight, and—if you have a strong internet connection—surprisingly capable.
Specifications
Operating system: Android 12
Processor:MT8365
RAM: 4Gb
Storage: 64Gb+ MicroSD slot
Display: 7″ touch 1080p@60Hz
Battery: 5200mAh
size: 250mmx115mmx30mm
Price: R4 849 @ Progenix
Design & Build Quality
The abxylute One follows the standard handheld layout: a large central screen with built-in controls on either side. It weighs just over 450g, which strikes a good balance between portability and comfort. The plastic body feels durable enough for daily use, and Hall Sensor joysticks and triggers provide accurate, responsive control.
There are dual front-facing stereo speakers, Bluetooth 5.0 for audio peripherals, a microSD card slot, and even motion sensors for gyro support. Dual vibration motors add an extra touch of immersion in games that support haptic feedback.
Performance & Usability
Powered by a MediaTek MT 8365 SoC with 4GB of DDR4 RAM, the abxylute One isn’t designed for raw performance—but that’s not the point. This device is built for game streaming, and in that role, it performs well.
Running Android 12, it gives you full access to the Google Play Store, allowing you to install apps and lightweight games. It’s essentially a phone without GSM features. I was able to run popular titles like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, and Dead Cells without major issues.
For emulation enthusiasts, older retro games run well, though newer console emulators are a stretch due to hardware limitations.
Cloud Gaming Experience
Who Should Buy the abxylute One?
This device is ideal for:
- PC and console gamers looking for a remote play solution at home.
- Cloud gaming users who want a budget-friendly way to access services like GeForce Now via Rain.
- Android gamers and retro emulation fans who don’t need cutting-edge performance.
If you’re looking for a standalone gaming handheld that can run AAA games natively, this isn’t the device for you. In that case, you’d be better off investing in something more powerful like the ROG Ally and competitors.
Pros
- Affordable price (under R5,000)
- Excellent for cloud gaming and remote play
- Comfortable, lightweight design
- Access to Google Play Store
- Responsive controls and decent audio
- Expandable storage via microSD
Cons
- Limited internal hardware
- Not suitable for demanding native games
- Requires strong and stable internet for best experience
Final Verdict
The abxylute One is a niche device—but for the right user, it’s a fantastic one. If you have access to cloud gaming services or want a way to stream games from your console or PC, this handheld delivers great value for its price. It’s not meant to replace a full-featured gaming system, but as a companion device, it punches well above its weight.
special thanks to Tribeca for supplying the review product
