Ayaneo Unveils a Powerful New Gaming Handheld
▼ Summary
– Ayaneo announced the Next II, a high-end Windows handheld gaming PC that appears to be a powerful but likely expensive competitor to devices like the Steam Deck.
– It features a premium 9-inch OLED display with a high refresh rate and resolution, and is powered by a powerful AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chipset.
– The device has a high 85W power ceiling, dual cooling fans, and a large 115Wh battery, which is bigger than its predecessor and some competitors.
– Its control scheme is extensive, including two touchpads, Hall effect joysticks and triggers, multiple buttons, and an 8-way D-pad.
– No release date or price was announced, but based on Ayaneo’s history, the Next II is expected to be a premium, costly product.
Ayaneo has introduced its latest contender in the portable gaming arena, the Next II, a Windows-based handheld PC that pushes hardware boundaries. This new device appears robust and feature-packed, positioning itself as a high-performance alternative to popular options like the Steam Deck, albeit with the inherent complexities of Windows as a gaming platform.
The centerpiece of the Next II is its impressive 9-inch OLED display, which boasts a 2400×1504 resolution, a refresh rate of up to 165Hz, and a peak brightness of 1100 nits. Powering the system is the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chipset, the same processor found in the highly-rated Asus ROG Flow Z13 gaming laptop. To handle this performance, Ayaneo has implemented an 85W thermal design power (TDP) limit, dual cooling fans, and a substantial 115Wh battery. This battery capacity is a significant jump from the original Next’s 47Wh unit and even exceeds the 80Wh battery in the Asus ROG Ally X. However, the actual battery life with such a high TDP remains an open question.
Visually, the device takes clear inspiration from Valve’s design philosophy. The front panel includes two customizable touchpads that support gesture controls and key mapping. The control suite is extensive, featuring Hall effect joysticks and triggers, the latter equipped with two-stage trigger locks. Users also get four bumper buttons, four face buttons, four configurable rear buttons, and an 8-way D-pad reminiscent of the one on Microsoft’s Xbox Wireless Controller. It is an undeniably comprehensive input layout.
Every specification suggests Ayaneo is aiming to surpass current market leaders with the Next II. The company has not yet announced a release date or final pricing. Given its history, however, prospective buyers should expect a premium cost, as seen with models like the Ayaneo Next Advance, which starts at $1,265. This new handheld is clearly designed for enthusiasts seeking top-tier portable power.
(Source: IGN)
