The Steam Deck didn't just enter the handheld gaming market – it redefined it, largely thanks to its accessible $400 price point. It sparked a new wave of devices, but one company seems to be aiming for a completely different stratosphere.
Enter the Ayaneo Next 2. Ayaneo isn’t new to this space; they were early competitors with devices like GPD’s mini notebooks, even before the Steam Deck arrived. This latest iteration boasts impressive specs: a vibrant 9-inch OLED screen, customizable sticks, and precise Hall effect triggers.
But the real story lies beneath the surface. The Ayaneo Next 2 houses a massive 116-watt-hour battery – a size that actually restricts it from most commercial flights – and requires a dual-fan cooling system to manage the power of its Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor.
While similar components appear in handhelds costing $1,000 to $1,500, the Ayaneo Next 2 pushes the boundaries of price. The escalating costs seem to center around RAM and storage, mirroring trends across the tech landscape.
The base model, equipped with 32GB of RAM, 1TB of storage, and a slightly less powerful AI 385 CPU, is projected to retail for $2,000. Upgrading to the top-tier processor and 64GB of RAM jumps the price to $2,700. And for those demanding the absolute best – 128GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD – prepare to pay a staggering $4,299.
Pre-ordering through Indiegogo offers a potential discount, though that route often comes with inherent risks. Ayaneo has a track record of delivering through crowdfunding, but the prices remain exceptionally high. Even with a pre-order discount, the top configuration can reach $3,500.
The justification for such a premium lies partly in AMD’s Ryzen AI Max chips, which can share system memory with the integrated graphics. This allows the substantial RAM to be utilized more effectively than in a traditional desktop setup. However, this functionality is geared more towards AI development than maximizing gaming performance.
Even with a powerful 16-core processor, the integrated 8060S graphics are comparable to a mid-range Radeon card. It’s a potent setup, but not necessarily commensurate with the price tag.
Ayaneo isn’t alone in pursuing this high-end approach. GPD’s Win 5 also features the AI Max+ 395 processor, addressing the weight issue with a detachable battery. That device, with 64GB of RAM and a 4TB SSD, currently sells for around $3,400.
There’s undoubtedly a market for premium handhelds, and Ayaneo clearly believes there are customers willing to pay for the best possible experience. But the sheer cost of these devices remains difficult to comprehend, especially when compared to the Steam Deck’s disruptive pricing.
