Ayaneo’s impressive Next 2 is now available for sign-ups, but expect a hefty price tag compared to the ROG Ally X.

The Ayaneo Next 2 is shaping up to be a powerhouse in the gaming handheld market, and early registrations are now open. This should get any gamer excited about cranking up portable FPS to impressive levels, as it features an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and other standout specs. However, this means it will likely come with a price tag that far exceeds that of the Xbox Ally X.

Currently available for preview on a crowdfunding platform, the Ayaneo Next 2 boasts a stunning 9-inch 165Hz 2400 x 1504 OLED display and a robust 115W battery. While the specifics on RAM and storage are still under wraps, it’s reasonable to expect base configurations of 32GB RAM and 1TB storage as the entry-level options. The thought of calling anything with such specs “cheap” is amusing, as it’s hard to imagine prices starting below $1,400.

To clarify, Ayaneo hasn’t revealed the pricing for the Next 2 yet, but looking at similar devices can help set expectations. For instance, the OneXPlayer OneXfly Apex features the same AI Max+ 395 chipset with 32GB RAM and a 1TB SSD for $1,399, albeit with a slightly less impressive 8-inch IPS LCD display. The GPD Win 5 is also in the mix with comparable specs, priced at $1,599.

What this suggests is that, given Ayaneo’s focus on superior screen specs and the same Ryzen Max+ 395 setup as its competitors, it’s unlikely to be significantly cheaper. It’s important to note that we’re discussing a different tier of handheld compared to the ROG Xbox Ally X, which itself is priced at around $1,000, making it hard to believe the Next 2 will be much more affordable.

With each new handheld release in 2025, I find myself pondering the same questions. Who is this powerful device really for? Will we ever see a portable with a price tag similar to the Steam Deck? Have we reached the peak of handheld gaming with the PSP? It’s an exciting yet somewhat disheartening time for handheld enthusiasts, as it seems many manufacturers are more focused on showcasing specs than addressing practical gaming needs.

At the same time, the Nintendo Switch 2 appears to have deterred companies from entering the sub-$500 handheld market. This isn’t surprising, considering Nintendo has crafted a remarkably slim device that can function as a 4K console when docked while delivering smooth 1080p 120Hz performance on the go. While there are complexities to how it achieves this, it makes the Switch an appealing option for more casual gamers.

From this angle, targeting frame rate enthusiasts with high-end handheld specs priced over $1,000 makes sense. Gamers will likely find as much joy in watching that FPS counter climb as they do in playing the latest PC titles on the move, blurring the lines between mobile and desktop gaming experiences.

I’m eager to fully test the Ayaneo Next 2, as it should set a benchmark for future handhelds. However, the cost of entry may not be justifiable for everyone. Still, these premium devices offer a glimpse into the future of handheld gaming, even if upcoming models in 2026 might deliver similar performance with improved efficiency.

If you already own Valve’s portable, consider exploring accessories to enhance your setup. And if you’re in the mood for nostalgia, check out the best retro handheld options to relive the classics.