Over the holiday weekend, Ayaneo unveiled the Next II, a new handheld gaming PC running Windows. This device looks powerful and packed with features, almost like a high-performance Steam Deck but using a different operating system.
The Next II boasts a 9-inch OLED display with a stunning resolution of 2400×1504 and a brightness of up to 1100 nits. It’s equipped with an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chipset, the same one featured in the high-rated Asus ROG Flow Z13 gaming laptop. This laptop received an impressive 9/10 rating for its gaming performance in an IGN review earlier this year.
One notable improvement in the Next II is its battery. It comes with a 115Wh battery, a significant upgrade from the previous model’s 47Wh. This better capacity exceeds that of the Asus ROG Ally X, which has an 80Wh battery. However, the Next II has an 85W thermal design power (TDP), which means it could consume a lot of energy. It’s yet to be seen how this affects battery life during gameplay.
For controls, Ayaneo has also incorporated two touchpads, allowing for customizable key mapping and intuitive gestures, reminiscent of Valve’s gaming innovation. Additionally, there are two Hall effect joysticks, Hall effect triggers, four bumper buttons, and four face buttons, plus an 8-way D-pad similar to the one on the Xbox Wireless Controller.
Although Ayaneo hasn’t revealed a release date or pricing, it’s known for premium devices; the Ayaneo Next Advance starts at a whopping $1,265. This pricing strategy might suggest that the Next II will also fall into the higher price range.
As players lean toward portable gaming, sales of handheld consoles have surged. A recent report from Statista noted that the global handheld console market was valued at approximately $6 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow. This growth could create a competitive landscape where devices like the Next II might shine.
Overall, the Ayaneo Next II promises to be an exciting addition to the handheld gaming market, offering specs designed to elevate the gaming experience. Whether it lives up to the hype remains to be seen, but gamers are certainly intrigued as they await more details.
For more insights, check the detailed release announcement on Ayaneo’s official website here.
