AYANEO NEXT 2: The Powerful Windows Handheld with Ryzen AI Max+ 395

AYANEO has officially announced its much-anticipated NEXT 2 handheld gaming device, yet numerous specifications remain undisclosed. Gamers are eager for detailed insights into key features such as display specifications, battery longevity, and memory options.

In-Depth Look at the AYANEO NEXT 2 Handheld

AYANEO, a notable player in the Chinese gaming handheld market, has revealed its latest innovation, the NEXT 2. While the initial announcement has generated buzz, the provided specifications offer only a glimpse into the device’s capabilities. Despite earlier teasers, essential details regarding the screen type, battery performance, and total storage capacity are still pending.

AYANEO NEXT 2 showcasing a warrior amidst a misty landscape.

The NEXT 2 will run on Windows and marks the third entry into the market as a Strix Halo-based gaming handheld, joining the ranks of GPD and OneXPlayer, which have already introduced their respective Ryzen AI Max+ 395 models. The competitive landscape suggests that the NEXT 2 will deliver comparable performance to its peers.

AYANEO handheld device highlighting vents and controls. — Image Credit: weixin

The device is powered by the Ryzen AI Max+ 395, a cutting-edge mobile APU featuring 16 cores and 32 threads, coupled with an RDNA 3.5-based Radeon 8060S integrated GPU. This powerful setup promises performance on par with mainstream graphics cards such as the RTX 4060, making it well-suited for modern gaming demands. Nonetheless, the specifics regarding memory and storage configurations remain elusive, though many competitors are offering configurations starting at 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage. It’s likely that AYANEO will follow this trend with its base model.

AYANEO NEXT II handheld showcased against a cosmic backdrop.

According to images shared via AYANEO’s official X account, the NEXT 2 is expected to provide an exceptional controller experience. The device features dual-mode triggers, allowing users to switch between hair trigger and Hall Effect analog options. AYANEO emphasizes the integration of exclusive TMR joysticks for enhanced gameplay, and the controller layout is reminiscent of the Xbox format, featuring well-placed ABXY buttons and a circular D-Pad.

Game controllers showcasing buttons X, Y, A, and B.

Close-up of controller buttons labeled RC2 and RC1.

AYANEO claims that the NEXT 2 will feature a “top-tier”display, although they have yet to reveal details regarding its size, resolution, panel technology, or refresh rate. Additionally, the device is equipped with an oversized built-in battery, differing from the GPD Win 5’s removable battery design. To maintain optimal cooling, AYANEO is utilizing a dual-fan cooling system, similar to its previous models.

Close-up view of a laptop's dual cooling fans and heatsink.

Although AYANEO has yet to announce pricing, configurations, or availability, industry speculation suggests that the NEXT 2 could enter the market priced over $1500, positioning it as a premium option within the gaming handheld segment.

Source & Images