Ayaneo’s Massive Windows Gaming Handheld Is a Beast
▼ Summary
– The Ayaneo Next II is an exceptionally large and heavy Windows gaming handheld, weighing 3.14 pounds and having a footprint about 60% larger than a Nintendo Switch 2.
– It significantly outclasses the bulk of the 2023 Lenovo Legion Go, which weighed 1.88 pounds, and is more than twice as heavy as a Steam Deck OLED.
– The high-end model features powerful specs, including a Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chipset and a Radeon 8060S GPU, delivering performance comparable to a desktop RTX 4060.
– A key distinguishing feature is its high-end 9.06-inch OLED screen, which offers a high resolution, a 165 Hz refresh rate, and very high brightness.
– While other handhelds use the same chipset, the Next II differentiates itself through its combination of extreme size, powerful internals, and premium display.
When it comes to pushing the boundaries of portable gaming hardware, the Ayaneo Next II stands in a category all its own, redefining what a handheld can be with its imposing size and top-tier internal specifications. This device makes even the largest competitors seem modest, offering a glimpse into a future where desktop-level power fits in your hands, albeit with significant heft.
The most immediate impression of the Next II is its sheer physical presence. Weighing a substantial 3.14 pounds, it is more than twice as heavy as popular alternatives like the Steam Deck OLED. Its dimensions are equally staggering, measuring 13.45 inches wide and 10.3 inches tall. This gives it a footprint roughly sixty percent larger than a standard Nintendo Switch with its Joy-Cons attached, making it a truly massive piece of personal gaming hardware.
Beneath that expansive chassis lies hardware worthy of a high-end gaming laptop. The premium configuration is built around the powerful Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor, featuring 16 Zen5 cores, paired with a Radeon 8060S graphics unit boasting 40 RDNA3.5 compute units. This combination is engineered to deliver performance on par with a desktop computer equipped with an RTX 4060, promising to handle demanding modern titles with ease in a portable form factor.
While other manufacturers have utilized the same chipset in their devices, Ayaneo differentiates the Next II with a spectacular display. The system is outfitted with a high-end 9.06-inch OLED screen that supports a sharp 2400×1504 resolution. This panel is capable of refresh rates up to 165 Hz and can achieve a peak brightness of 1,155 nits, ensuring vibrant, smooth, and viewable gameplay even in bright conditions. The controls are proportioned for its large size, designed to be comfortable for extended play sessions despite the device’s weight.
This handheld is not for the faint of heart or those seeking subtlety. It represents a bold trade-off, sacrificing traditional portability for a level of performance and screen quality previously unseen in the Windows handheld market. For gamers who prioritize raw power and a premium visual experience above all else, the Ayaneo Next II is a compelling, if colossal, contender.
(Source: Ars Technica)
