Back in January of last year, Ayaneo kicked off a crowdfunding campaign for their innovative clamshell designs: the Ayaneo Flip handhelds, powered by AMD Ryzen. They introduced two models, the Flip DS and the Flip KB. Fast forward a month, and we shared some early thoughts on the Flip DS. But suddenly, plans for full-scale production of these devices have come to an unforeseen halt.
Initially, the updates and reviews looked promising. The devices were set to get a boost from the AMD Ryzen 7 7840U to the souped-up Ryzen 7 8840U. However, on February 25, Ayaneo surprised many by declaring that they were halting production entirely. They offered backers until March 27 to request a refund or opt for a different Ayaneo product, though this might involve additional costs due to price differences.
It’s undeniably disappointing for those eager supporters who were counting down the days until they could get one in their hands. Many outlets, having already reviewed early models, painted a picture of a significant demand. Yet, it’s clear Ayaneo couldn’t fully meet the expectations of its crowdfunders. This serves as a reminder of the inherent risks in crowdfunding ventures—you’re investing in an idea and not always assured a tangible product in return.
Reflecting on these developments, it’s hard not to lament this unfortunate twist. The Flip DS stood out in our previous reviews as a potential game-changer for those yearning for a modern-day successor to the Nintendo DS and 3DS—a device with dual screens robust enough to emulate the Nintendo Switch and handle AAA PC games, offering the added perk of a secondary screen for multitasking and system tweaks.
This dual-screen marvel seemed poised to carve out a unique spot in the handheld gaming arena, offering something different from the usual suspects like the Steam Deck or ROG Ally, which often end up pricier or less impressive. However, this chapter imparts a bittersweet note.
Yet, in every cloud, there’s a silver lining. The few Ayaneo Flip DS and Flip KB units that did reach reviewers and early backers are now rare collectibles. Owning one might not come cheap, with their rarity likely driving up their value significantly.
