Windows handheld gaming just leveled up. AYANEO Next 2 has been unveiled, becoming the third manufacturer to launch a Strix Halo-based gaming handheld powered by AMD’s flagship Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor—a beast that rivals desktop-class performance in a portable form factor.
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AYANEO Next 2: Specs at a Glance
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 (16-core/32-thread Zen 5) |
| Graphics | Radeon 8060S iGPU (40 CUs, RDNA 3.5) |
| Performance | Near RTX 4060 level graphics |
| Display | 8-inch “top-tier” panel (specs TBA) |
| Cooling | Dual-fan design |
| Battery | Extra-large built-in (capacity undisclosed) |
| Memory/Storage | Likely 32GB/1TB base configuration |
| Expected Price | $1,500+ (estimated) |
What Makes This Handheld Different?
Unlike competitors like the GPD Win 5 with removable batteries, the Next 2 features a built-in “extra-large” battery design, trading swappability for a more integrated form factor. The device showcases AYANEO’s latest custom hardware including a floating 8-way D-pad, Hall effect triggers, dual intelligent touchpads, customizable rear buttons, and dynamic Chroma lighting.
The star attraction? The Ryzen AI Max+ 395’s Radeon 8060S integrated GPU delivers performance approaching discrete RTX 4060 graphics cards—unprecedented for an integrated solution. With 16 Zen 5 cores boosting to 5.1 GHz, this APU transforms what’s possible in handheld gaming.
Thermal Challenges and Market Position
AYANEO showcased the internal PCB featuring a compact dual-fan cooling solution and a monster 12-phase power delivery design, essential for managing the chip’s up to 120W TDP. Battery life remains the critical question mark, as the 55W default TDP could drain batteries quickly during intense gaming sessions.
The Next 2 directly competes with ASUS ROG Xbox Ally and MSI Claw 8 AI+ in the premium Windows handheld segment. Its Steam Deck-inspired dual trackpad layout makes desktop navigation and point-and-click games significantly easier, addressing a common pain point in Windows handhelds.
With GPD and OneXPlayer already shipping Strix Halo handhelds, AYANEO’s challenge will be differentiation—and pricing. While configurations and release dates remain unconfirmed for 2025, the Next 2 represents a bold bet that enthusiasts want maximum performance over portability compromises.
FAQs
When will the AYANEO Next 2 be released?
AYANEO confirmed a 2025 launch but hasn’t announced specific availability dates or pricing yet.
How does the Radeon 8060S compare to dedicated GPUs?
The integrated Radeon 8060S delivers performance close to NVIDIA’s RTX 4060, unprecedented for an integrated graphics solution.
