TL;DR
- Ayaneo announces the Next II, a high-end Windows handheld gaming PC.
- Features a 9-inch 165Hz OLED display with 2400×1504 resolution and 1100 nits peak brightness.
- Powered by the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chipset, similar to the Asus ROG Flow Z13.
- Boasts an 85W TDP, dual cooling fans, and a large 115Wh battery.
- Includes dual touchpads, Hall effect joysticks and triggers, and extensive button mapping.
- Pricing and release date are not yet announced.
Ayaneo has announced the Next II, a new Windows-based handheld gaming PC that aims to push the boundaries of portable gaming performance. This device is designed for users who want a premium, no-compromise gaming experience on the go. The Next II features a large, high-resolution OLED display and a powerful AMD Ryzen chipset, positioning it as a direct competitor to other high-end handhelds on the market.
The inclusion of an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chipset is particularly noteworthy, as it’s the same chip found in powerful gaming laptops like the Asus ROG Flow Z13. This suggests the Ayaneo Next II will offer substantial gaming power, capable of running demanding PC titles. The device also emphasizes robust cooling and a significantly larger battery compared to its predecessor, addressing common concerns about performance throttling and battery life in portable gaming hardware.
At a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 9-inch OLED, up to 165Hz, 2400×1504 resolution, 1100 nits peak brightness |
| Chipset | AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 |
| TDP | 85W |
| Cooling | Dual cooling fans |
| Battery | 115Wh |
| Controls | Dual touchpads, Hall effect joysticks, Hall effect triggers with two-stage locks, four bumper buttons, four face buttons, four configurable rear buttons, 8-way D-pad |
| Operating System | Windows |
Controls and Display: A Premium Experience
The Ayaneo Next II aims to provide a comprehensive control scheme for a wide range of games. It features dual touchpads, drawing inspiration from Valve’s Steam Deck, which support customizable key mapping and gesture controls.
Complementing these are Hall effect joysticks and triggers, known for their durability and precision, along with two-stage trigger locks for added control in certain game genres. The device also includes a full array of bumper, face, and configurable rear buttons, alongside an 8-way D-pad reminiscent of Microsoft’s Xbox controllers.
The visual experience is fronted by a 9-inch OLED display. With a resolution of 2400×1504 and a refresh rate up to 165Hz, it promises sharp visuals and fluid motion. The high peak brightness of 1100 nits should also ensure good visibility even in varied lighting conditions, a crucial factor for portable gaming.
This combination of advanced controls and a high-quality display targets gamers seeking an immersive experience on a handheld device.
Performance and Power: Aiming to One-Up the Competition
Under the hood, the Ayaneo Next II is powered by the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chipset. This is a significant component, also found in high-performance gaming laptops, indicating that the handheld is built for demanding PC gaming. The device is rated for an 85W thermal design power (TDP), suggesting a high ceiling for power consumption and, consequently, performance.
To manage the heat generated by this powerful chipset, the Next II incorporates dual cooling fans. Furthermore, it is equipped with a substantial 115Wh battery. This is a considerable upgrade from the 47Wh battery in the original Ayaneo Next and surpasses the 80Wh capacity of the Asus ROG Ally X. While the larger battery and efficient cooling are positive signs, the actual battery life will depend on how the 85W TDP is managed during intensive gaming sessions. Ayaneo appears to be positioning the Next II as a device that aims to outperform existing handheld gaming PCs across the board.
Availability & Pricing
Ayaneo has not yet announced the release date or pricing information for the Next II. Given the premium specifications and Ayaneo’s history of pricing its high-end devices accordingly, such as the Ayaneo Next Advance starting at $1,265, it is expected that the Next II will also be positioned as a premium, high-cost option in the handheld gaming PC market.
Techswire’s Take
The Ayaneo Next II represents a bold step forward in the burgeoning handheld gaming PC market, showcasing a commitment to high-end specifications and a premium user experience. By integrating a powerful laptop-grade chipset and a superior display, Ayaneo is clearly targeting enthusiasts willing to pay for top-tier portable performance. While pricing and availability remain key unknowns, the Next II’s feature set suggests it will be a significant contender, pushing innovation and potentially setting new benchmarks for what portable PC gaming can achieve.