Get ready to transform the way you play! One-Netbook is shaking up the portable gaming world with the OneXSugar Sugar 1, a brand-new dual-screen gaming handheld that’s currently making waves on Indiegogo. This isn’t just another handheld; it’s a device designed to reshape, literally, offering a truly unique and powerful Android gaming experience.
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A Gaming Handheld That Transforms (Literally!)
Imagine a device that’s a Nintendo Switch one moment and a Nintendo DS the next. That’s the magic of the OneXSugar Sugar 1. This innovative handheld boasts two vibrant OLED touchscreens and two hinged, rotating gamepads that allow it to transform into completely different modes.
When folded flat, it mimics a traditional portable console, featuring a single 6-inch main screen flanked by its half-gamepads. But the real surprise comes when you pop open the 3.92-inch secondary screen and rotate the gamepads. Suddenly, you have a setup similar to the iconic Nintendo DS, with one screen stacked above the other. The best part? The main controls instantly and automatically adjust to their new orientation, so your muscle memory stays intact. This adaptability opens up a world of possibilities for how you interact with your games, whether you’re playing on the go or setting it up for a unique tabletop experience.
OneXSugar Sugar 1 handheld displaying vibrant RGB lighting on its grips and analog sticks, with the secondary screen deployed as a convenient kickstand for tabletop gaming.
This dual-screen functionality isn’t just a gimmick. You can send any app to either screen and even designate which screen Android considers “primary.” Need to save battery? You can turn off one screen and still use the other. The multitasking potential for this unique dual-screen handheld is genuinely exciting.
Powerhouse Performance in Your Hands
Beyond its transformative design, the OneXSugar Sugar 1 packs some serious punch. It’s powered by Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 processor, paired with a hefty 16GB of RAM. What does that mean for you? It means this portable gaming device can handle demanding tasks with ease.
We’re talking smooth emulation of classic consoles like the Wii and GameCube, and the ability to run graphically intensive Android games, such as Genshin Impact, on high settings. According to gaming experts at RetroGameCorps, the Sugar 1’s powerful Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 chip and ample RAM can even play original Nintendo Switch games smoothly with the right software tweaks. This level of performance makes it a compelling option for serious mobile gamers and emulation enthusiasts alike.
Holding the Sugar 1 is surprisingly comfortable. The Hall effect joysticks, known for their precision and resistance to “drift,” feel incredibly smooth and responsive. The microswitch buttons provide satisfying tactile feedback, making every press feel deliberate. In DS mode, when the secondary screen is flipped out, the design creates a comfortable gap for your fingers, enhancing grip. However, it’s worth noting the absence of a traditional D-pad. OneXSugar includes a magnetic D-pad overlay that attaches to four face buttons, but some users might find it prone to accidental presses.
Close-up view of the OneXSugar Sugar 1's durable SK7 tool steel hinge mechanism, showcasing its robust metal construction crucial for the transforming design.
Durability is often a concern with multi-hinged devices, but OneXSugar claims the final production units will feature robust SK7 tool steel hinges, screwed directly into the aluminum alloy underframe for enhanced strength. They even plan to add more screws than seen in the prototype, aiming to make those satisfying thock sounds as the pads magnetically snap into place a sign of solid engineering, not fragility.
Software: The Prototype’s Puzzle
While the hardware innovation of the OneXSugar Sugar 1 is impressive, the software side, at the prototype stage, still has some room to grow. One-Netbook, a company known for its miniature Windows laptops and handhelds like the OneXPlayer X1 Mini, is making its first foray into Android devices. The Sugar 1 will ship with Android 14, and there’s currently no official promise of future OS upgrades.
The device relies on a single “Sugar Console” app to make Android gaming-handheld friendly. While this app generally works well for screen management and swapping, some aspects still feel unpolished. For instance, certain vital buttons like the Start button, Android’s back button, and the OneXSugar overlay button are hard-coded, meaning their functions don’t dynamically adapt to the transformed modes as fluidly as the other controls. This can lead to accidental app opens or pauses.
Screenshot of the Sugar Console application interface on the OneXSugar Sugar 1, demonstrating options for screen management and settings customization.
Another minor frustration is that swiping to close apps only works from the designated “primary” screen, which can be counter-intuitive when you’ve swapped screens or changed orientation. One-Netbook has acknowledged these software quirks, including occasional charging issues and challenges with stretching Android apps across both screens, and assures that fixes are in the pipeline before the planned September ship date.
OneXSugar Sugar 1 gaming handheld in transformed mode, highlighting the physical control buttons and the need for improved virtual remapping.
Despite the Sugar 1’s primary appeal being its dual OLED screens, the prototype currently lacks a built-in way to optimally resize games to take full advantage of both displays. Instead, it offers a basic “picture frame matting” to minimize black borders. This means playing classic dual-screen games (like Nintendo DS titles) often relies on the resizing and arrangement tools provided by individual emulators, which can be a bit clunky.
Early prototypes sent to reviewers did not include Google apps or the Google Play Store, limiting the range of games that could be tested. However, One-Netbook confirms that final retail units will ship with Google Play, which is crucial for full access to the vast Android gaming library. Performance with some Android games also needs refinement; Fortnite wouldn’t run at all on the prototype, and Genshin Impact sometimes complained about processor overload even when running smoothly, indicating that game developers may need to whitelist Qualcomm’s new handheld chip.
OneXSugar Sugar 1 demonstrating its secondary screen functioning as a sturdy kickstand, with a visible rear LED indicating battery status or charging activity.
Battery life, from its 21.5Wh pack, is still being evaluated, but early reports from RetroGameCorps suggest anywhere from 1 to 12 hours depending on the game, which is a wide range but promising for varied usage.
Beyond the Prototype: One-Netbook’s Vision
Transforming gaming devices are often ambitious projects that rarely make it to market due to their complexity. However, One-Netbook, with its history of creating modular portable computers, sees the OneXSugar Sugar 1 as a unique opportunity to stand out in the competitive Android handheld market. According to VP Jason Zeng, the goal was to “create something different,” and the company plans to release more “splashy” and innovative products in the future.
While One-Netbook has primarily focused on Windows handhelds and has sold around 100,000 units globally (with 60% in China), the US is their fastest-growing market. The company views Android devices as a more accessible and affordable way to reach a larger customer base. While there are no immediate plans for Windows on ARM, Zeng expressed interest in connecting with Valve to potentially discuss a future SteamOS handheld. This indicates a strong desire to continue pushing the boundaries of portable gaming.
OneXSugar Sugar 1 Key Specifications
- Primary Screen: 6.01-inch 1080 x 2160, 60Hz, 450-nit OLED (18:9 aspect ratio)
- Secondary Screen: 3.92-inch 1080 x 1240, 60Hz, 450-nit OLED (8:7 aspect ratio)
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 8-core (1+5+2) with Adreno A32 GPU
- Memory & Storage: 16GB RAM (8533MHz), 512GB storage (UFS 4.0)
- Expandable Storage: MicroSD slot up to 1TB (UHS-I)
- Battery: 21.5Wh (5600mAh) with bundled 45W charger
- Controls: Hall effect joysticks, Microswitches for face, shoulder, and trigger buttons
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3
- Ports: 1x USB-C (10Gbps with 1080p60 DisplayPort output and USB-OTG mode)
- Build: Aluminum internal frame with PC+ABS plastic composite overmolding, SK7 steel hinges
- Audio: Stereo speakers, single microphone
- Weight: 1.07 lbs (486.3g)
- Operating System: Android 14
The OneXSugar Sugar 1 is a bold and ambitious device that truly stands out in the crowded portable gaming market. While it’s still a prototype with some software kinks to iron out, its innovative dual-screen design, powerful performance, and the sheer fun factor it offers are undeniable. It’s a testament to One-Netbook’s drive to create something genuinely different, and it will be exciting to see how this unique transforming handheld evolves by its official launch.
