Ayaneo has set global prices for its upcoming portable gaming PC, the Next 2, and they’re far from what you’d expect in this category. Launching in late July, the Next 2 enters a market where most premium handhelds cost around $1,000-making its price tag a league of its own.
- Base model: $3,000
- Top-tier model: $5,300
The entry-level Next 2 packs a Ryzen AI Max 385, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. The high-end version steps up to a Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 128GB of RAM, and a 2TB SSD. This price surge isn’t just about Ayaneo’s boutique brand – AMD’s Ryzen AI Max chips themselves demand a premium. These processors target localized AI tasks and launch firmly in the high-end performance bracket.
Next 2 pricing compared to other premium handhelds
For comparison, even premium handheld consoles tend to be much more affordable:
- Steam Deck OLED: starts at $549 in the US
- Asus ROG Ally X: starts at $799
- Lenovo Legion Go: begins near $699 depending on specs
- Early Ryzen AI Max handhelds (2025): started around $1,800
At the time, $1,800 felt like the top price ceiling for Ryzen AI Max handhelds.
Ayaneo Next 2 targets enthusiasts with high-end specs
Ayaneo occupies a unique niche. Its devices are expensive, often made in small runs, and clearly target enthusiasts rather than the general consumer crowd that gravitates towards Steam Deck or similar devices. The 128GB RAM variant feels more like a showcase of maximum potential than a price poised for broad adoption.
Price comparison: Ayaneo Next 2 versus PlayStation 5
To put this in perspective, a PlayStation 5 with a disc drive retails for $499 in the US. The priciest Ayaneo Next 2 costs as much as more than ten PS5s. This highlights where this segment might be headed-if Ryzen AI Max-based handhelds settle at these prices, they will remain a niche choice, favored not just as gaming gadgets but as exceptionally costly, compact PCs in a portable form factor.