India-based gaming company Arc has entered the handheld gaming segment with the launch of its first portable console, the Arc X1. The new gaming handheld is designed to combine Android gaming, emulation and cloud gaming in a compact form factor, while offering hardware features aimed at longer gaming sessions.
At the heart of the Arc X1 is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 gaming platform, paired with 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 128GB of UFS 3.1 storage. The device also includes a microSD card slot, allowing users to expand the available storage for games and other content.
The Arc X1 runs OwlOS, a custom Android-based operating system built on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). The software provides access to Android games, emulators and cloud streaming services, along with several options for adjusting performance and controls on a per-game basis.
Arc X1 Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 7-inch LCD |
| Resolution | Full HD |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
| Display Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 128GB UFS 3.1 |
| Expandable Storage | microSD card |
| Operating System | OwlOS based on AOSP |
| Cooling | Active cooling with fan |
| Battery | 9,300mAh |
| Charging | 27W wired fast charging |
| Claimed Usage | Up to 8 hours in Silent Mode |
| Controls | Replaceable zero-drift analog sticks, microswitch ABXY buttons, D-pad |
| Rear Controls | Two programmable buttons |
| Haptics | Dual Linear Resonant Actuators |
| Speakers | Front-facing stereo speakers |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Port | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| Audio | 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Microphones | Dual microphones |
| Weight | Around 500g |
Arc X1 Specifications
7-Inch 120Hz Display
The Arc X1 comes with a 7-inch LCD display featuring a Full HD resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio. The panel supports a 120Hz refresh rate, which should provide smoother animations and gameplay compared with conventional 60Hz screens.
The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, adding an extra layer of protection for the handheld’s screen during everyday use.
Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 with 8GB RAM
The performance of the Arc X1 is handled by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 chipset. It is paired with 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 128GB of UFS 3.1 internal storage.
For users who need additional space, Arc has also included a microSD card slot. This can be useful for storing larger game libraries, Android applications and other media without relying solely on the built-in storage.
Active Cooling for Extended Gaming
Arc has equipped the X1 with a built-in active cooling system that uses a fan to help manage temperatures during gaming. This is particularly useful for a handheld gaming device, where sustained workloads can generate heat over longer sessions.
The cooling system is also integrated with OwlOS, which gives users access to custom fan curves and other performance-related controls.
Gaming Controls and Haptic Feedback
The Arc X1 has been designed around traditional handheld gaming controls. It features replaceable zero-drift analog sticks, microswitch ABXY buttons and a D-pad.
There are also two programmable rear buttons, giving players additional controls that can be assigned according to their preferred games or control layouts.
For a more responsive gaming experience, the handheld includes dual Linear Resonant Actuators (LRAs) for haptic feedback. These are intended to provide tactile feedback during supported gaming experiences.
OwlOS Offers Gaming and Customisation Options
One of the main highlights of the Arc X1 is its software. The handheld runs OwlOS, a custom Android-based operating system built on AOSP.
The platform allows users to play Android games, run emulators and access cloud gaming services. Arc has also added several customisation options that let users adjust the handheld according to individual games.
These options include per-game performance settings, control customisation, resolution scaling and fan curve adjustments. This gives users greater control over how the hardware behaves across different types of games.
9,300mAh Battery with 27W Charging
The Arc X1 packs a large 9,300mAh battery, which is designed to provide extended gaming and general usage away from a power outlet.
The handheld supports 27W wired fast charging. Arc claims that the X1 can provide up to eight hours of usage in Silent Mode. Actual battery life can vary depending on factors such as game type, display refresh rate, brightness, performance settings, connectivity and cooling mode.
Connectivity and Other Features
The Arc X1 comes with a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4. It also features a USB Type-C 3.1 port for wired connectivity and charging.
For audio, the handheld includes front-facing stereo speakers, dual microphones and a 3.5mm headphone jack, giving users the option to connect wired headphones without an adapter.
Despite housing a large battery and active cooling system, the device weighs around 500 grams, keeping it within a relatively portable form factor for a dedicated gaming handheld.
Arc X1 Price and Availability in India
The Arc X1 is priced at INR 29,500 for early waitlisters. Regular customers will be able to purchase the gaming handheld for INR 33,500 starting October 2.
With its 7-inch 120Hz display, Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 chipset, 9,300mAh battery, active cooling and Android-focused OwlOS platform, the Arc X1 marks Arc’s entry into the growing gaming handheld market in India.
Final Verdict
The Arc X1 is a feature-packed gaming handheld that focuses on delivering a flexible gaming experience rather than simply running Android games. Its 7-inch 120Hz display, Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 chipset, 8GB RAM and active cooling give it a solid hardware foundation for gaming. The large 9,300mAh battery and 27W charging are also useful for longer sessions.
OwlOS adds another layer of flexibility with support for Android games, emulators and cloud gaming, along with per-game performance and control settings. The replaceable analog sticks, programmable rear buttons and haptic feedback further strengthen its gaming-focused design.
With an early price of INR 29,500 and a regular price of INR 33,500, the Arc X1 enters the market with a strong combination of hardware and software features. Its overall appeal will depend on how well OwlOS performs across different games and emulation workloads, but on paper, the Arc X1 offers a well-rounded package for gamers looking for a dedicated handheld device.
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Note: Product details, pricing, and availability may change over time. While we try to keep information accurate, please verify details from the official website before purchasing. Some content may be assisted by AI tools like ChatGPT, and some articles may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you. Reviews, opinions, and feature highlights are based on official specifications and publicly available information at the time of writing.
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