In 2026, the Ayaneo Next II has arrived, and it’s making quite a splash in the world of gaming handhelds. Weighing in at a hefty 3.14 pounds, this device is no lightweight. To put it in perspective, it’s more than twice as heavy as the beloved Steam Deck OLED. Compared to its predecessor, the 2022 Ayaneo Next, which weighed a more manageable 1.58 pounds, the Next II feels like a serious upgrade.
This portable giant measures 13.45 inches wide and 10.3 inches tall, taking up about 60% more space than the upcoming Switch 2 with its Joy-Cons attached. But why the bulk? Ayaneo packed some powerful specs into this frame. At its core, the Next II features the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chipset, boasting 16 Zen5 cores and a Radeon 8060S with 40 compute units. This setup offers performance that rivals a desktop with an RTX 4060 graphics card, making it a powerhouse for gaming on the go.
Interestingly, Ayaneo isn’t the only player in this space. The OneXPlayer OneXfly Apex and GPD Win5 use similar chipsets. However, what sets the Next II apart is its stunning 9.06-inch OLED screen. With a resolution of 2400×1504, it supports refresh rates up to 165 Hz and offers an impressive brightness of 1,155 nits. This makes for a visually captivating experience, perfect for gamers who crave stunning graphics and fast-paced action.
User feedback has been a mix of awe and skepticism. Gamers appreciate the enhanced performance but express concerns about the weight. Social media discussions often highlight the device’s capability vs. its portability. In a world where gaming is increasingly mobile, balancing these factors remains a hot topic.
As for expert opinions, tech analyst Jason S. notes that while heavy devices can offer greater power, they also challenge user ergonomics. “Comfort is key. We need to find a balance between performance and usability,” he says.
In conclusion, while the Ayaneo Next II is a behemoth among handhelds, its power and screen quality are captivating gamers. The challenge will be how it fits into everyday use. Will players embrace the extra weight for the high-performance gaming experience? Only time will tell.
For more about Ayaneo’s lineup, visit their official site.
