Back in January of last year, Ayaneo stirred some excitement by launching a crowdfunding campaign for their new clamshell designs: the Ayaneo Flip handhelds. These devices, powered by AMD Ryzen chips, were christened the Flip DS and Flip KB. Just a few weeks in, we shared some initial thoughts on the Flip DS, which seemed promising. However, in a surprising twist, the company decided to halt its production entirely.
Despite promising updates and an upgrade from the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme-equivalent AMD Ryzen 7 7840U to the more advanced Ryzen 7 8840U, Ayaneo announced on February 25 that they were pulling the plug on the Flip’s production. Fans and backers were left with options: apply for a full refund by March 27 or opt to trade up or down to another Ayaneo device. The catch? If you decide to swap, you might have to cover any price difference.
This decision is undoubtedly a letdown for those eager to own the device once the crowdfunding chapter closed. Despite several media outlets having reviewed the Ayaneo Flip and some backers receiving theirs, Ayaneo appears overwhelmed by the commitment to fulfill all crowdfunding orders. Usually, Ayaneo’s crowdfunding ventures succeed, but this highlights the inherent risk of such investments. It’s vital to remember that backing a project is not the same as buying a guaranteed product.
Reflecting on these events, I find it quite disheartening. When we first discussed the Flip DS, it stood out as a promising successor to beloved devices like the Nintendo DS and 3DS.
The Flip DS, with its dual-screen setup and powerful internals capable of emulating the Nintendo Switch, offered a unique proposition: playing AAA PC games while multitasking with the second screen. It stood out in a market flooded with Steam Deck or ROG Ally alternatives, which were often more costly without offering significant improvements, save for a few notable exceptions in controller or display innovations.
Yet, not all innovative ideas see the light of day. On a brighter note, the handful of Ayaneo Flip DS and Flip KB units in the hands of YouTubers and early adopters may become coveted collector’s items. That said, acquiring one might set you back considerably, as no more are destined for production.
