Taken quite by surprise, across our [digital] desk this morning, we were briefed on an upcoming handheld 'console' PC. Sound confusing? It sort of is, but based on a number of videos shared with us from the SMACH Z handheld's presence at E3, we're pretty bummed we (or at least I) didn't know about the platform beforehand to get our (my) own mits on it.

So what's a SMACH Z?

It's a handheld device sporting an AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605B SoC with AMD Radeon Vega 8-powered visuals. It allegedly has an operating time of between two and seven hours (presumably based on what applications you're running, or how many at once), and can have Windows or Linux installed as its OS. It also features a front-facing camera to be utilised like a laptop or desktop webcam and can also be used with a mouse and keyboard. The screen is a 6" high-definition touchscreen. So yeah, it's essentially a handheld PC, and we want one.

The device is available now for pre-order, and comes in three options: Base (AUD$999.00) -- 4GB RAM, 64GB Storage, no camera. Pro (AUD$1399.00) -- 8GB RAM, 128GB Storage and a 5MP camera. Ultra (AUD$1799.00) -- 16GB RAM, 256GB Storage and a 5MP camera.

"The visitors seemed very interested in our console," said Daniel Fernandez, CEO of SMACH Z via press release. "We did not expect so many people to visit us and to get enthusiastic about the SMACH Z. We saw a positive effect also in terms of reservations: the number of people in the waiting list are increasing day by day.

Learn more about the device right here, and watch a video the team put together of the SMACH Z at E3 2019.