AYANEO Next II Windows Handheld Pushes Size Into Power

AYANEO just revealed the Next II, a Windows gaming handheld with AMD’s latest Strix Halo processor. The specs were confirmed during a live stream recently with Frandroid, after months of teasing.

AYANEO built the Next II around the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395, a 16-core Zen 5 processor with a Radeon 8060S graphics core and 40 compute units based on RDNA 3.5 architecture. That’s five times the graphical performance of the Steam Deck so you can play recent titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or Starfield at medium settings without breaking a sweat. The company claims that the thermal design point is up to 65w on batteries and more when plugged in, eliminating throttling like smaller competitors.

Size is the first thing that defines the Next II from the first grip, AYANEO calls it a “plus-size” build, 12 inches across to fit that 9 inch screen. The body curves gently at the edges, matte black finish and subtle RGB on the logo and rear buttons. Weight is 1.5 pounds, heavier than a Switch but balanced enough for couch marathons. Two high efficiency fans hum quietly inside, pulling air through the sides and rear to keep temperatures in check during hour long runs. AYANEO skipped the external battery packs like the GPD Win 5 and went with a built in 80wh battery. That gives you 4-5 hours of playtime on lighter games and 2-3 on more intensive ones without the hassle of swapping modules.

To start, the 9-inch OLED screen has a resolution of 2,400 by 1,504 and a 3:2 aspect ratio, making it taller and less wide than conventional portable screens with a 16:10 ratio. Colors explode, blacks are deep, and the 165Hz refresh rate smoothes motion in fast-paced shooters and races. AYANEO defaults to landscape mode for Windows games, but you may switch to portrait mode for reading or browsing using the rapid rotation option. The brightness peaks at 600 nits, allowing you to play outside, and touch input works well for menus and strategic overlays. Two USB-C connections around the edges handle charging, display output, and peripherals, as does a 3.5mm audio jack and a front-facing camera above the screen, which is unusual for these devices and can be used for video calls or AR experimentation if the games support it.

The Next II’s controls are a blend of familiar and new. Dual analog sticks in normal settings, TMR sensors for precise, drift-free movement that lasts for years without wear. Hall-effect triggers with adjustable resistance; digital mode for button mashers. The D-pad and ABXY buttons are clicky and snappy, with broad spacing to prevent thumb fatigue. AYANEO added circular trackpads below the sticks, similar to the Steam Deck, providing cursor control in desktop mode and gyro assisted aiming. Four customizable buttons on the rear, with volume rockers and a power switch on top. Vibration motors rumble nicely but will not shake your soul like a DualSense. Overall, the layout is suitable for longer usage, with grips that conform to larger hands and minimal button clatter.

Memory and storage match power, with base models featuring 32GB LPDDR5X RAM at 8,000 MT/s, which is fast enough to run numerous apps or mods without stuttering. The drive compartment contains a one-terabyte NVMe SSD that can be upgraded to four terabytes with a simple panel swap. According to AYANEO, Windows 11 is pre-installed, designed for touch and controller use, and includes their own software for performance adjustment and game launching. 64GB RAM alternatives are available at a price for makers and gamers. Boot times are less than 10 seconds, and sleep mode consumes minimal power before resuming immediately.

Battery life is one of the Next II’s best kept secrets. That 80 watt-hour pack, combined with efficient power management, outlasts the 2-3 hours you get from slimmer devices on similar workloads. AYANEO’s tests show Elden Ring running at 45 watts for over 4 hours at 1080p medium settings, while lighter fare like Hades gets closer to 6. Charging takes under 2 hours with the 100w USB-C brick and pass-through charging keeps you topped up during docked play. The device stays cool with the chassis only getting warm to the touch at most, thanks to the dual fans and vapor chamber on the mainboard.

Pre-orders start next week on AYANEO’s site and select partners like Amazon. Early birds get bonuses like extra grips or themed skins, full stock will be available by February. Customization is deep at checkout where you can choose RGB schemes or engrave the back.
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