Last January, Ayaneo launched a crowdfunding campaign for its innovative handheld devices, the Ayaneo Flip DS and Flip KB, both powered by AMD Ryzen. Fast forward a month, and we had an early look at the Flip DS, which seemed full of potential. However, in a surprising twist, production of these devices has been completely halted.
Initially, the signs were promising. There were positive updates, like an upgrade in internals from the AMD Ryzen 7 7840U to the more robust Ryzen 7 8840U. But on February 25th this year, Ayaneo dropped a bombshell: they announced that no more Flip handhelds would be produced. Backers have until March 27 to decide whether to get a full refund or trade for another Ayaneo device, with any price difference coming out of their pocket.
This news is a real letdown for those who invested in the campaign with high expectations of eventually receiving their device. Reviews had started to surface, and some units had even reached backers, displaying that Ayaneo seemed unprepared to meet the full demand of its supporters. Ayaneo has a solid track record with these ventures, but this situation serves as a reminder of the inherent risks of crowdfunding—you’re investing, not necessarily buying a complete, ready-to-ship product.
I can’t help but feel a sense of loss over how things turned out. The Flip DS had the potential to be a game-changer, a modern heir to the Nintendo DS and 3DS legacy. Its dual-screen design and powerful internals were perfect for emulating the Nintendo Switch and playing AAA PC games while using the second screen for multitasking or tweaking system settings in real-time.
At a time when the handheld market seemed dominated by expensive or inferior variations of the Steam Deck or ROG Ally, the Ayaneo Flip DS stood out as something genuinely unique. But alas, not every great idea makes it to fruition. On the bright side, the few existing Ayaneo Flip DS and Flip KB units have now become prized collector’s items. If you’re keen on getting one, prepare for a hefty price tag, as no more will roll off the production line.
