Back in January of last year, Ayaneo embarked on a crowdfunding journey to bring two innovative handheld designs to life— the Ayaneo Flip DS and Flip KB, both powered by AMD Ryzen. Fast forward a month, and we shared our initial thoughts on the Flip DS. Sadly, production of this promising device has now been unexpectedly halted.
From the get-go, the feedback on these gadgets was quite optimistic. Updates brought even more excitement, especially with the internals being upgraded from the AMD Ryzen 7 7840U, which is similar to the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme, to the more advanced Ryzen 7 8840U. Despite this, Ayaneo announced on February 25 that the Flip models were no longer being made. For those who backed the project, they have until March 27 to decide on whether they want a full refund or to opt for a trade for another Ayaneo device, though they might need to cover any additional cost differences.
This news is undeniably disheartening for the backers and gaming enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the device post-crowdfunding. Although several outlets had already received review units of the Ayaneo Flip and published their assessments, and a handful of backers received theirs, Ayaneo appears unable to meet the full demand from its supporters. This scenario serves as a stark reminder of the uncertainties tied to crowdfunding— it’s an investment, not a certainty of a product landing on your doorstep.
Despite this setback, I find myself lamenting the situation. Our earlier assessments had positioned the Flip DS as the potential modern heir to the Nintendo DS and 3DS legacy. Its dual-screen design, combined with its capability to emulate the Nintendo Switch and support AAA PC games, set it apart as a unique player in the handheld gaming arena. This market, often dominated by variations of the Steam Deck or ROG Ally, could surely have benefited from such a refreshing addition.
Alas, not every promising gadget sees the light of day. On a brighter note, the few units of the Ayaneo Flip DS and Flip KB that made it to YouTubers and early backers are now even more coveted, transforming them into rare collector’s gems. However, snagging one might require a hefty investment, as no more are to be produced.
So, while some might search for ways to get their hands on these elusive devices, others will need to look elsewhere in the vast world of gaming innovations.
