Ayaneo Next 2 introduces bold changes to the handheld gaming market
The Ayaneo Next 2 has officially entered development, and early details point to a major shakeup in the premium handheld gaming space. With competition from the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally heating up, Ayaneo is pushing boundaries with a powerful, PC-like design and performance. This new generation handheld blends portable gaming convenience with desktop-level hardware ambitions. In this article, we break down everything we currently know about the Next 2 — including its design evolution, hardware partnerships, expected performance, and potential place in the competitive gaming handheld ecosystem.
Ayaneo’s shift toward hybrid handheld PCs
Ayaneo has often been at the bleeding edge of handheld gaming innovation, but the Next 2 takes a significant step toward blurring the line between compact laptops and gaming consoles. Unlike previous models like the Ayaneo 2S, the Next 2 shows a clear pivot toward a boxier, all-in-one device—one that more closely resembles a condensed gaming PC than a portable console. This evolution seems directly inspired by the Steam Deck’s reception but pushes further into high-end territory, prioritizing full-fat hardware over slim portability.
Key hardware insights: AMD at the core
Though final specs remain under wraps, Ayaneo has confirmed some critical details about the chip powering the Next 2. It will use a high-end AMD chip, likely drawing from Ryzen 7000 series mobile APUs with integrated RDNA3 graphics. This signals a likely jump in performance compared to current gaming handhelds, possibly approaching RTX 3050 laptop-level output in a compact form factor. That would position the Next 2 not just as a mobile alternative, but as a genuinely capable Plug-and-Play rig for AAA gaming.
Performance expectations
- Expected to feature AMD Phoenix or Hawk Point chipsets
- Onboard RDNA 3 GPU architecture for modern shader support
- Likely 16 GB LPDDR5 RAM and up to 2 TB NVMe storage options
- Windows 11-based OS for full PC game library access
Design changes and controller integration
Ayaneo is redesigning the grip ergonomics and controller layout with the Next 2, featuring a more prominent and modular dual-stick system. The early renders show the inclusion of touchpads — a first for Ayaneo — which will improve navigation in PC apps and strategy games. Ayaneo has also hinted at improved haptics and hall effect joysticks, which combat stick drift and provide smoother input. The chassis appears thicker than the Ayaneo 2S but compensates with added internal cooling, accommodating more powerful thermal envelopes.
Competition and market positioning
With Valve’s Steam Deck owning the mid-range handheld space and ASUS pushing into premium terrain with the ROG Ally, Ayaneo needs a strong differentiator. The Next 2 could define itself as the handheld for enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on specs. While pricing hasn’t been revealed, we expect a base model to start around $1,199, climbing based on storage and RAM options—significantly more than the Steam Deck but targeting a different buyer. It’s not for casual players; it’s for those who want desktop-grade gaming in a portable shell.
| Handheld Device | Expected Price (USD) | GPU/CPU Architecture |
|---|---|---|
| Steam Deck (512 GB) | $649 | AMD Van Gogh / RDNA 2 |
| ASUS ROG Ally (Z1 Extreme) | $699 | AMD Z1 Extreme / RDNA 3 |
| Ayaneo Next 2 (Est.) | $1,199+ | AMD Ryzen 7X Phoenix / RDNA 3 |
Final thoughts
The Ayaneo Next 2 is shaping up to be a power move in a rapidly evolving market. Rather than chase mass appeal, Ayaneo is leaning into its strengths—ultra-premium hardware, unique design language, and desktop compatibility. If it can deliver on its performance promises without overheating or unbearable battery tradeoffs, the Next 2 could appeal to serious gamers, content creators, and those looking for a true on-the-go PC. As details firm up in the coming months, Ayaneo’s bet on power over portability may just redefine what handheld gaming can truly mean.
Image by: Hetal Sindhwad
https://unsplash.com/@in_myframez
