AYANEO Launches NEXT 2, a Powerful Windows Handheld Featuring Ryzen AI Max+ 395
AYANEO has officially unveiled its long-awaited NEXT 2 handheld gaming console, marking its debut as the company’s most powerful Windows-based device to date. While many technical specifications remain undisclosed, the manufacturer confirmed that the handheld will feature AMD’s high-performance Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU, positioning it as the third Strix Halo-based handheld to enter the market, following GPD and OneXPlayer’s recent launches.
The Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU integrates 16 cores and 32 threads built on AMD’s Zen 5 architecture, coupled with an RDNA 3.5-based Radeon 8060S iGPU. This graphics unit is currently the fastest integrated GPU in the consumer segment, reportedly capable of delivering performance approaching that of an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU. This places the NEXT 2 among the most powerful handhelds available for modern gaming, productivity, and AI workloads.
Although AYANEO has yet to share details regarding display specifications, battery capacity, memory configurations, or storage options, industry expectations suggest a base configuration similar to its competitors, likely beginning with 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of SSD storage. The company described the screen as “top-tier,” promising premium visual performance, though resolution, panel type, and refresh rate remain unknown.
From the official images shared on AYANEO’s X account, the NEXT 2 features a refined controller layout with a focus on comfort and versatility. The device includes dual-mode triggers, allowing players to switch between hair trigger and Hall Effect analog modes, providing both precision and responsiveness for different gameplay styles. AYANEO also confirmed the inclusion of its proprietary “exclusive TMR” large joysticks, designed to deliver enhanced tactile feedback and durability. The overall control layout follows the Xbox-style ABXY configuration, with a circular D-pad and additional customizable buttons.
In terms of cooling, the handheld incorporates a dual-fan thermal design, a notable improvement over earlier AYANEO models. This should help sustain the Ryzen AI Max+ 395’s high performance while maintaining consistent thermals during extended gaming sessions. The device will also include an “extra-large built-in battery,” which, according to AYANEO, aims to deliver improved longevity compared to previous models, though the company has yet to disclose the exact capacity or expected runtime.
AYANEO has not announced pricing or release details for the NEXT 2, but given the high-end hardware and positioning within the premium handheld segment, analysts anticipate a price point exceeding USD 1,500. This places it alongside the GPD Win 5 and OneXPlayer X1 as part of the emerging category of ultra-high-performance Windows gaming handhelds built around AMD’s new Strix Halo platform.
As competition in the Windows handheld market intensifies, the AYANEO NEXT 2 represents the brand’s most ambitious attempt yet to merge desktop-class power with portable convenience, targeting gamers seeking cutting-edge performance in a compact form factor.
What are your thoughts on the AYANEO NEXT 2? Would you invest in a $1,500 handheld powered by AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395, or do you think the market is reaching its performance and price ceiling?
