AYANEO is making waves in the gaming industry with their upcoming handheld, the AYANEO NEXT 2. Born from extensive research on the AI395 Mini PC, this handheld will feature the high-performance Strix Halo chip alongside an impressive cooling system.
Known for popular models like the AYANEO Pocket, Flip DS, and the Ryzen-powered AYANEO NEXT, the company is now taking a bold step with the NEXT 2. Showcased in a recent livestream by founder Arthur Zhang, this device promises to stand out in the gaming handheld market.
Equipped with the powerful AMD Strix Halo chip, specifically the Ryzen AI Max+ 395, the NEXT 2 is set to dominate the mobile segment. Boasting 16 Zen 5 cores and an RDNA 3.5-based Radeon 8060S with 40 Compute Units, this chip is a go-to for performance enthusiasts, although its high cost has deterred many from integrating it into gaming handhelds. However, AYANEO and GPD are pioneering its use.
What sets the NEXT 2 apart is its design, reminiscent of high-performance gaming laptops. Instead of a standard cooling system, it employs a dual-fan setup on a larger PCB, prioritizing performance and efficiency. Despite initial challenges, improvements in the cooling system have been made through dedicated R&D.
The device is expected to feature a large screen, likely around 10 inches, making it one of the largest in its category. While prototype designs and features like LPDDR5X RAM, M.2 SSD slots, and various connectivity options have been unveiled, the final product may still undergo changes. With a release anticipated this year, gaming enthusiasts have much to look forward to with the AYANEO NEXT 2.
