The next portable console of AYANEO NEXT II It is generating an unusual level of anticipation, even in a market as saturated with releases as that of the handheld gaming PCThe AYANEO NEXT II has been dropping hints for months, but now the key details that differentiate it from everything else on the market are known, starting with its screen.
This new machine is aimed directly at the most demanding segment with a set of specifications that, on paper, put it a step ahead of rivals such as GPD, OneXPlayer or even Steam Deck itselfThe star of the show is its 9-inch OLED screen, but there's much more to it than that: a next-generation processor, a high-capacity battery, and a design geared towards long gaming sessions with Windows 11.
9-inch OLED screen: the new ceiling for gaming laptops
The component that is attracting the most attention is the 9 inch OLED screenThis size clearly surpasses the current standard of 7 to 8 inches for handheld consoles. This diagonal, combined with the chosen format, aims to provide the player with More usable space without the inconvenience of a large tablet.
AYANEO has opted for a resolution of X and an approximate aspect ratio of 3:2 (75:47), a very uncommon format for this type of device, where 16:10 or 16:9 is still the norm. This choice results in a screen that is slightly taller than it is wide, which can be easier to read menus, navigate the desktop, and is beneficial for certain genres. more verticality in the image.
The resolution is in addition to a maximum refresh rate of 165 HzThis is an unusual figure even for desktop gaming monitors, and virtually nonexistent until now in handheld consoles. That refresh rate, combined with OLED technology, promises a Very fluid experience in competitive titles and an extremely fast response in action games.
AYANEO speaks of a response time of around 0,03 millisecondsThis should, in practice, eliminate ghosting and improve sharpness in fast-moving scenes. The maximum brightness hasn't been officially finalized yet, but some leaks suggest it could change from around 500 nits up to values similar to panels like the one in the RedMagic Astra Gaming Tabletwhich reaches 1.600 nits. If something similar is confirmed, we would be looking at one of the brightest panels mounted on a handheld device.
In any case, the fact that it is a Large OLED panel with high resolution and 165 Hz This already puts the NEXT II in a different league, especially when compared to the 800p or 1200p options that still dominate the segment.
Hardware that targets the high end with Ryzen AI Max+ 395
To move such a large panel, the company hasn't complicated things and has gone directly for what it defines as the most powerful APU available right now for this type of device: the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395It is a chip from the Strix Halo family that integrates CPU, GPU and AI into a single package.
In its most ambitious configuration, it is said to 16 cores with Zen 5 architecture and 32 threadsreaching Turbo frequencies of up to 5,10 GHz. Some media outlets have reported 8-core versions in initial leaks, but the current consensus clearly leans towards the 16-core variant for the NEXT II, always with a TDP that can reach 85 W, which is very high for a handheld console.
In terms of graphics, the APU integrates a AMD Radeon 8060S based on RDNA 3.5with up to 40 Compute Units, which translates to 2.560 Stream Processors running at around 2.900 MHz. On paper, this graphics solution approaches the performance of a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Mobile In certain scenarios, a striking figure for a compact device.
The chip also includes a dedicated NPU for artificial intelligence with a performance that can be around 50 TOPSreaching even higher figures when CPU and GPU capabilities are combined. This opens the door to AI-based improvements, such as intelligent upscaling, noise reduction in streaming, or advanced features in creative applications, beyond simply using it for gaming.
Regarding memory, leaks and unofficial statements indicate that the base model could start from 32 GB of LPDDR5 RAM y 1 TB of storageAlthough 16 or 24 GB variants are being considered to try and keep the final price down. What does seem clear is that the minimum configuration will remain at very high end compared to most portable consoles on the market.
Design, controls and cooling system
AYANEO defines the NEXT II as a device with top-tier custom screen and a robust chassis with an integrated battery, instead of using removable modules as some GPD or OneXPlayer models do. This decision aims to improve the overall rigidity and the feeling of a single unit in the hands, although it sacrifices the convenience of swapping batteries on the fly.
The exact dimensions have not yet been made public, but based on leaked images and comparisons with other models, a machine is expected to be quite large. of considerable size, similar to AYANEO KUN or even certain gaming tabletsThe brand's objective seems clear: to prioritize performance and cooling over extreme portability.
The control system has also been meticulously designed. The console incorporates joysticks with TMR technologyA solution that uses magnetic fields to detect movement and, similarly to the Hall effect, eliminates the wear typical of traditional potentiometers. This should reduce the risk of drift Over time, this has become one of the most common problems with controllers and handheld consoles.
The triggers do resort to Hall effect sensors and they have a locking function, allowing you to adjust the travel according to the type of game. The D-pad is made of 8 directionsdesigned for fighting games or platformers, and the controls are completed with two circular trackpads, one on each side, designed to improve accuracy in shooters or to navigate the Windows desktop without always relying on a touchscreen.
In terms of aesthetics, the device offers customizable RGB lighting on the sides and a magnetically levitated haptic motor compatible with linear and rotor modes, in order to provide more precise vibrations. Regarding connections, it mentions two USB-C ports, front stereo speakers and a classic audio jack for headphones.
Cooling, integrated battery and expected autonomy
With a TDP that can reach up to 85W and a 9-inch, 165Hz panel, heat management is one of the project's critical aspects. That's why AYANEO has opted for a dual-fan cooling system, accompanied by high-efficiency fins for heat dissipation and voltage regulation.
This The system should prevent performance reductions due to overheating. and maintain reasonable temperatures during extended gaming sessions, although, as is often the case with the most powerful laptops, it remains to be seen how much noise the fans generate when the hardware is pushed to its limits.
In parallel, the console will integrate a large capacity batteryVarious sources point to a figure around 115 Whwhich would be more than double what some popular models offer, such as the 55,5 Wh of the Lenovo Legion Go S and a notable leap compared to the AYANEO KUN itself, which was around 75 Wh. On paper, this should translate into more time away from the power outlet, although everything will depend on the power mode chosen and whether playing light games or AAA titles.
AYANEO's approach involves offering reasonable autonomy without sacrificing a high-performance mode When needed, it takes advantage of the system's power profiles and TDP limiting options. It won't be a console designed for multi-hour gaming marathons with everything maxed out, but rather for combining intense sessions with more moderate use when battery life is a concern.
Compared to the GPD or OneXPlayer models with removable batteries, the choice of a such a large internal module It reinforces the firm's commitment to a continuous and solid design, at the cost of losing some flexibility in future replacements or expansions.
Windows 11, full compatibility and a focus on the European market
Although they are beginning to appear in the ecosystem of PC-based handheld consoles Linux solutions specifically for gaming, such as Bazzite or SteamOS-derived distributions, AYANEO maintains its commitment to Windows 11 pre-installed in NEXT II. The idea is simple: to offer near-total compatibility with the PC catalog, without depending on compatibility layers or a single store.
With this system, the user will be able to easily install stores like Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, Xbox Game Pass or any proprietary launcher that you use on your desktop computer. It also benefits from the usual desktop functions, so, connected to a monitor and keyboard, the console can serve as a small PC for general work or leisure.
However, Windows 11 also has its own drawbacks in a portable format: interface not always adapted to touchFrequent updates and a somewhat complex setup can be a drawback for those who just want to turn it on and play. AYANEO often includes its own utilities for managing power modes, performance profiles, and button remapping, attempting to smooth out the console-mode experience.
Regarding Spain and the rest of Europe, the brand already has experience selling through specialized online stores and regular import channelsIt is expected that the NEXT II will follow a similar path, with international pre-order campaigns and possible agreements with European distributors to facilitate warranties and local support, something key when dealing with such an expensive product.
Given the firm's track record and the cost of the components, estimates agree that the final price in euros will easily exceed the €100 mark. € 1.000and it wouldn't be surprising to see configurations close to the € 2.000 in the better-equipped models. This positions the NEXT II as a product clearly geared towards enthusiastic users willing to pay for maximum performance in a portable format.
Events, pending announcements, and what remains to be known
AYANEO has been releasing information about the NEXT II bit by bit, combining social media posts with its usual product sharing sessionsLive presentations in which the company's own team showcases prototypes and details technical features. The brand has confirmed that November 29th, at 8:30 a.m. Spanish time, will hold a new event where the Official prices, RAM and storage configurations and the exact date of arrival on the market.
Among the unknowns that still remain to be solved are the final chassis dimensions, actual weight of the device, battery life in different usage modes, and thermal performance in demanding gamesIt also remains to be seen how the device will handle its high 165Hz resolution, especially in AAA games where achieving those frame rates will be difficult even for such a powerful chip.
It is widely assumed that the console will be positioned as one of the most ambitious models in AYANEO's catalog and the market in general by 2026, with a very clear focus on those who want to replace, or at least complement, their desktop PC with a portable machine capable of running virtually any current game. very high level of detail.
With everything leaked and confirmed so far, the AYANEO NEXT II is presented as one of the most aggressive proposals within the universe of portable consoles with Windows: a 9-inch OLED screen with a 165Hz refresh rate and 2.400 x 1.504 resolution, a Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor with Radeon 8060S graphics, a battery of up to 115 Wh, advanced controls, and a large-format designIt remains to be seen how all this translates into daily use, what real impact it will have on autonomy and temperatures and, above all, to what extent the price will match a machine that, at least on paper, has decided not to make concessions in almost any area.
