Arc Unveils ARC X1 Gaming Handheld With Snapdragon G2 Gen 2

Indian company Arc has introduced its first gaming handheld, the ARC X1. The device is built around Qualcomm's Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 platform and runs OwlOS, a custom Android-based operating system designed to be fully controlled with a gamepad rather than a touchscreen. According to the company, the handheld was developed over 16 months with input from its gaming community.

Performance and display

The ARC X1 is powered by the Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 gaming platform, built on a 4nm process and pairing an octa-core Qualcomm Kryo CPU with an Adreno A22 GPU. The chipset is backed by 8GB of LPDDR5X memory running at 8,533 MT/s and 128GB of UFS 3.1 storage, with a microSDXC slot allowing expansion up to 1TB for larger game libraries.

The handheld's 7-inch LTPS TFT LCD panel runs at Full HD resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate, keeping fast-paced games looking smooth. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, and Arc rates it at over 500 nits of brightness with full sRGB color coverage.

Controls and build

The ARC X1's analog sticks use TMR (Tunnel Magnetoresistance) technology, which unlike conventional Hall-effect sensors is less prone to stick drift — a common complaint on gaming handhelds. Controls also include microswitch ABXY buttons and a D-pad, Hall-effect triggers with a mechanical lock, two programmable rear buttons, and a 6-axis Bosch gyroscope for motion controls. Haptic feedback comes from two linear resonant actuators, while the polycarbonate chassis with textured grips weighs between 450 and 500 grams. An active cooling system with a centrifugal fan handles heat during longer sessions.

One notable detail is repairability: Arc says the battery, joysticks and internal boards are all replaceable, and that spare parts will be available — a rare approach in the handheld gaming segment.

OwlOS, a purpose-built operating system

The ARC X1 runs OwlOS, an AOSP-based operating system built around a controller-first interface rather than touch input. It includes a unified game library, support for cloud gaming and native Android titles, a dedicated game launcher, an FPS overlay, performance modes, and fully customizable button mapping.

Zero-drift sticks. The TMR-based analog sticks are claimed to be more precise and power-efficient than Hall-effect sensors, while also being less prone to drift, one of the most common issues on gaming handhelds.

Quick Resume and game profiles. OwlOS can instantly resume games after exiting them and stores separate performance and control profiles for each title.

Repairability. The battery, joysticks and motherboards of the ARC X1 are replaceable components, with the company promising spare parts availability.

Battery life

Power comes from a 9,300mAh battery with 27W USB Power Delivery fast charging. Arc claims a single charge lasts more than 8 hours of gaming, with up to 10 days of standby time.

Specifications

• Display: 7" LTPS TFT LCD, Full HD (1920×1080), 120Hz, 500+ nits, Gorilla Glass 3
• Processor: Snapdragon G2 Gen 2 (4nm), octa-core Qualcomm Kryo CPU, Adreno A22 GPU
• Memory: 8GB LPDDR5X (8,533 MT/s), 128GB UFS 3.1, microSDXC up to 1TB
• Battery: 9,300mAh, 27W USB PD fast charging, up to 8+ hours gaming, up to 10 days standby
• Controls: TMR analog sticks, microswitch ABXY buttons and D-pad, Hall-effect triggers with lock, 2 programmable rear buttons, Bosch gyroscope, dual LRA motors
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 with display output, USB OTG
• Audio: dual front-facing stereo speakers, Fluence noise-cancelling microphones, 3.5mm jack
• Build: polycarbonate chassis, glass front panel, active cooling, 450–500g weight
• OS: OwlOS (AOSP-based)
• Color: Black