HardwareHandheldsI’m hyped to see Best Buy stocking premium Ayaneo handhelds, but the prices are scaryWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
HardwareHandheldsI’m hyped to see Best Buy stocking premium Ayaneo handhelds, but the prices are scaryWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Ayaneo / Future)
I’ve been waiting a long time for Ayaneo handhelds to reach a US storefront, so I’m pretty excited to see Best Buy now stocking devices. The catch? Well, the premium portables still come with an eye-watering price tag, one that looks worse when placed on a virtual shelf alongside Windows alternatives.
Don’t get me wrong, I genuinely believe that Ayaneo makes some of thebest gaming handheldoptions on the market. The company continually releasesdifferentsystems that offer up alternative ways to play, with the likes of theAyaneo Flip DSinjecting old console tricks into the new portable PC scene. The brand’s devices also benefit from the ever improving functionality of Ayaspace, which arguably puts rivals likeAsus ROG AllyandLenovo Legion Goto shame with better functionality.
(Image credit: Best Buy)
For those of you who’ve never heard of either device, here’s the skinny. The Ayaneo Kun is an 8.4-inch Windows 11 handheld that’s armed with anAMDRyzen 7 7840U or 8840U APU. The version at Best Buy right now comes with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, but there is a monstrous 64GB / 4TB verison out there that’ll make your desktop PC feel silly. It also boasts a 54W max TDP and 75Wh battery – a combo that gives it an edge over Ryzen Z1 Extreme machines out there.
In contrast to that beast, the Next Lite embraces its name with an older Ryzen 7 4800U chip, 16GB LPDDR4X RAM, and 512GB storage. Naturally, sticking with a Vega chipset and lower key specs is an effort to keep costs down, but it’ll ultimately hit lower fps figures than theSteam Deck OLED. The main selling point here is the premium perks tied to Ayaneo’s choice of accompanying hardware, a recurring theme with the company’s entire line-up.
Are premium handhelds worth it?
(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
I’ve had a few friends ask me if they should pick up a handheld this year, and normally end up recommending either the Steam Deck or the ROG Ally. That’s largely down to the fact that recommending spending a grand on something like theAyaneo 2Sjust isn’t viable for most people. Does that mean it’s not a good portable PC? Hell no. In fact, price is the one thing stopping the company’s devices being top of my recommendation list.
To note, I don’t think Ayaneo’s pricing is entirely unjustified. Sure, you’re ultimately paying more for something like the Kun that’ll hit roughly the same frame rates as cheaper Windows machines. However, the extra expense actually grants you access to premium features like hall effect triggers and thumb sticks – something that’s missed with the $799Asus ROG Ally X.
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter
Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more
(Image credit: Future)
The whole experience evokes the same sensation I get sitting in my brother-in-law’s Mercedes versus my Volkswagen Polo, which might sound cliche, but it’s the best metaphor for the premium handheld scene. Every Ayaneo product I’ve tested to date provides a sense of quality and performance that, despite upsetting your bank account, will feel appropriately premium. That’s not me saying you should necessarily scrape together funds for a Kun over a similar 8-inch device like theLenovoLegion Go, but having thoroughly tested the latter, I can see why spending on physical features would result in a much nicer experience.
Simply put, if you enjoy the satisfaction of using tech thatfeelsmore premium, it’s worth keeping Ayaneo in mind. Most of you are still, quite rightly, going to stick with handheld gaming PCs around the $500 mark, but with the company’s boutique models now making their way to US retailers, we could be in for some phenomenal discounts that make picking up one of the portables a no brainer.
Today’s best handheld gaming PC dealsASUS ROG Ally$550$490ViewSee all pricesAsus Asus ROG Ally X$6.87ViewSee all pricesLenovo Legion Go$699.99$549ViewSee all pricesMSI Claw$699ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck OLED 512GB$717ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck OLED 1TB$739.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best handheld gaming PC dealsASUS ROG Ally$550$490ViewSee all pricesAsus Asus ROG Ally X$6.87ViewSee all pricesLenovo Legion Go$699.99$549ViewSee all pricesMSI Claw$699ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck OLED 512GB$717ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck OLED 1TB$739.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best handheld gaming PC dealsASUS ROG Ally$550$490ViewSee all pricesAsus Asus ROG Ally X$6.87ViewSee all pricesLenovo Legion Go$699.99$549ViewSee all pricesMSI Claw$699ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck OLED 512GB$717ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck OLED 1TB$739.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best handheld gaming PC deals
ASUS ROG Ally$550$490ViewSee all pricesAsus Asus ROG Ally X$6.87ViewSee all pricesLenovo Legion Go$699.99$549ViewSee all pricesMSI Claw$699ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck OLED 512GB$717ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck OLED 1TB$739.99ViewSee all prices
ASUS ROG Ally$550$490ViewSee all prices
ASUS ROG Ally$550$490ViewSee all prices
ASUS ROG Ally
ASUS ROG Ally
$550$490View
$550$490
$490
See all prices
Asus Asus ROG Ally X$6.87ViewSee all prices
Asus Asus ROG Ally X$6.87ViewSee all prices
Asus Asus ROG Ally X
Asus Asus ROG Ally X
$6.87View
$6.87
$6.87
See all prices
Lenovo Legion Go$699.99$549ViewSee all prices
Lenovo Legion Go$699.99$549ViewSee all prices
Lenovo Legion Go
Lenovo Legion Go
$699.99$549View
$699.99$549
$549
See all prices
MSI Claw$699ViewSee all prices
MSI Claw$699ViewSee all prices
MSI Claw
MSI Claw
$699View
$699
$699
See all prices
Valve Steam Deck OLED 512GB$717ViewSee all prices
Valve Steam Deck OLED 512GB$717ViewSee all prices
Valve Steam Deck OLED 512GB
Valve Steam Deck OLED 512GB
$717View
$717
$717
See all prices
Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB$739.99ViewSee all prices
Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB$739.99ViewSee all prices
Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB
Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB
$739.99View
$739.99
$739.99
See all prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
CATEGORIESPC GamingPlatforms
CATEGORIES
More about handheldsThis handheld is the same size as an NES controller, but I use it to play 30 years worth of retro classicsWill the next Lenovo Legion Go actually be a Steam Deck? It certainly smells that way to meLatestI didn’t know how badly I wanted to grill and gobble up monsters until this upcoming survival roguelike made it look so tastySee more latest►
More about handheldsThis handheld is the same size as an NES controller, but I use it to play 30 years worth of retro classicsWill the next Lenovo Legion Go actually be a Steam Deck? It certainly smells that way to meLatestI didn’t know how badly I wanted to grill and gobble up monsters until this upcoming survival roguelike made it look so tastySee more latest►
More about handheldsThis handheld is the same size as an NES controller, but I use it to play 30 years worth of retro classicsWill the next Lenovo Legion Go actually be a Steam Deck? It certainly smells that way to me
More about handhelds
This handheld is the same size as an NES controller, but I use it to play 30 years worth of retro classicsWill the next Lenovo Legion Go actually be a Steam Deck? It certainly smells that way to me
This handheld is the same size as an NES controller, but I use it to play 30 years worth of retro classics
This handheld is the same size as an NES controller, but I use it to play 30 years worth of retro classics
Will the next Lenovo Legion Go actually be a Steam Deck? It certainly smells that way to me
Will the next Lenovo Legion Go actually be a Steam Deck? It certainly smells that way to me
LatestI didn’t know how badly I wanted to grill and gobble up monsters until this upcoming survival roguelike made it look so tastySee more latest►
Latest
I didn’t know how badly I wanted to grill and gobble up monsters until this upcoming survival roguelike made it look so tasty
I didn’t know how badly I wanted to grill and gobble up monsters until this upcoming survival roguelike made it look so tasty
I didn’t know how badly I wanted to grill and gobble up monsters until this upcoming survival roguelike made it look so tasty
See more latest►
Most PopularLeague of Legends co-creator responds to report that Arcane was a “financial miss,” says “people think we make things like Arcane to sell skins, when in reality we sell skins to make things like Arcane"After hours of number-crunching, one Marvel Rivals player has laid out the true meta – and Iron Fist’s ranking feels alarmingJames Gunn says his DC shows will likely stick to the “one episode a week” schedule moving forward: “It affords a quality show an opportunity to be discussed"Just two weeks after its theatrical release, Lord of the Ring: The War of Rohirrim is heading to digitalEscape the horrors of family time this holiday with Slitterhead’s first ever discountNosferatu should “feel like a love triangle” according to star Lily-Rose Depp, albeit a twisted oneYou might be ready for Elden Ring: Nightreign, but not as ready as this streamer who completed the RPG like it was a roguelike – 207 bosses, random items, and permadeathThe team behind the unofficial Zelda Ocarina of Time PC port just modernized another Nintendo 64 classic, and the original creator is “very happy” about itNosferatu’s Bill Skarsgård was so happy to shed the Orlok character when filming wrapped: “It was an immense sense of relief"Warner Bros. is inexplicably delisting a bunch of games without warning, again, and devs are once again distraught: “We are heartbroken"Marvel Rivals joins Manor Lords, Palworld, and Helldivers 2 as one of Steam’s best-selling and most-played new releases of 2024 despite launching at the end of the year
Most PopularLeague of Legends co-creator responds to report that Arcane was a “financial miss,” says “people think we make things like Arcane to sell skins, when in reality we sell skins to make things like Arcane"After hours of number-crunching, one Marvel Rivals player has laid out the true meta – and Iron Fist’s ranking feels alarmingJames Gunn says his DC shows will likely stick to the “one episode a week” schedule moving forward: “It affords a quality show an opportunity to be discussed"Just two weeks after its theatrical release, Lord of the Ring: The War of Rohirrim is heading to digitalEscape the horrors of family time this holiday with Slitterhead’s first ever discountNosferatu should “feel like a love triangle” according to star Lily-Rose Depp, albeit a twisted oneYou might be ready for Elden Ring: Nightreign, but not as ready as this streamer who completed the RPG like it was a roguelike – 207 bosses, random items, and permadeathThe team behind the unofficial Zelda Ocarina of Time PC port just modernized another Nintendo 64 classic, and the original creator is “very happy” about itNosferatu’s Bill Skarsgård was so happy to shed the Orlok character when filming wrapped: “It was an immense sense of relief"Warner Bros. is inexplicably delisting a bunch of games without warning, again, and devs are once again distraught: “We are heartbroken"Marvel Rivals joins Manor Lords, Palworld, and Helldivers 2 as one of Steam’s best-selling and most-played new releases of 2024 despite launching at the end of the year
Most PopularLeague of Legends co-creator responds to report that Arcane was a “financial miss,” says “people think we make things like Arcane to sell skins, when in reality we sell skins to make things like Arcane"After hours of number-crunching, one Marvel Rivals player has laid out the true meta – and Iron Fist’s ranking feels alarmingJames Gunn says his DC shows will likely stick to the “one episode a week” schedule moving forward: “It affords a quality show an opportunity to be discussed"Just two weeks after its theatrical release, Lord of the Ring: The War of Rohirrim is heading to digitalEscape the horrors of family time this holiday with Slitterhead’s first ever discountNosferatu should “feel like a love triangle” according to star Lily-Rose Depp, albeit a twisted oneYou might be ready for Elden Ring: Nightreign, but not as ready as this streamer who completed the RPG like it was a roguelike – 207 bosses, random items, and permadeathThe team behind the unofficial Zelda Ocarina of Time PC port just modernized another Nintendo 64 classic, and the original creator is “very happy” about itNosferatu’s Bill Skarsgård was so happy to shed the Orlok character when filming wrapped: “It was an immense sense of relief"Warner Bros. is inexplicably delisting a bunch of games without warning, again, and devs are once again distraught: “We are heartbroken"Marvel Rivals joins Manor Lords, Palworld, and Helldivers 2 as one of Steam’s best-selling and most-played new releases of 2024 despite launching at the end of the year
Most Popular
League of Legends co-creator responds to report that Arcane was a “financial miss,” says “people think we make things like Arcane to sell skins, when in reality we sell skins to make things like Arcane”
After hours of number-crunching, one Marvel Rivals player has laid out the true meta – and Iron Fist’s ranking feels alarming
James Gunn says his DC shows will likely stick to the “one episode a week” schedule moving forward: “It affords a quality show an opportunity to be discussed”
Just two weeks after its theatrical release, Lord of the Ring: The War of Rohirrim is heading to digital
Escape the horrors of family time this holiday with Slitterhead’s first ever discount
Nosferatu should “feel like a love triangle” according to star Lily-Rose Depp, albeit a twisted one
You might be ready for Elden Ring: Nightreign, but not as ready as this streamer who completed the RPG like it was a roguelike – 207 bosses, random items, and permadeath
The team behind the unofficial Zelda Ocarina of Time PC port just modernized another Nintendo 64 classic, and the original creator is “very happy” about it
Nosferatu’s Bill Skarsgård was so happy to shed the Orlok character when filming wrapped: “It was an immense sense of relief”
Warner Bros. is inexplicably delisting a bunch of games without warning, again, and devs are once again distraught: “We are heartbroken”
Marvel Rivals joins Manor Lords, Palworld, and Helldivers 2 as one of Steam’s best-selling and most-played new releases of 2024 despite launching at the end of the year
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2
Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3
Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5
Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2
Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3
Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5
Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
1
Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
2
Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
3
Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
4
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
5
Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”