AYANEO confirmed that shipping for its flagship NEXT 2 Windows handheld gaming console is scheduled to begin in June 2026. The company provided this update following previous delays for the NEXT 2 and the KONKR Fit, aiming to fulfill orders for the device powered by AMD’s Ryzen AI Max Strix Halo architecture.
Hardware Specifications of the NEXT 2 Flagship
The NEXT 2 is designed as a high-performance Windows-based handheld, targeting the top tier of the portable gaming market. According to technical specifications provided by the company, the device is built around AMD’s Strix Halo
architecture. The hardware is expected to feature up to the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU, paired with Radeon 8060S graphics.
To support these processing capabilities, AYANEO has equipped the device with a 9.06-inch OLED display. This large screen format distinguishes it from more compact handhelds in the company’s lineup. Additionally, the device will include a 116Wh battery, a significant capacity intended to manage the power requirements of the high-end Strix Halo chipset during intensive gaming sessions.
This hardware configuration places the NEXT 2 in direct competition with other premium Windows handhelds, emphasizing raw computational power and display quality over extreme portability. The integration of the Ryzen AI Max series suggests a focus on both traditional gaming and AI-driven tasks, reflecting broader trends in semiconductor development for mobile platforms.
Shipping Timelines and Recent Delays
While preorders for the NEXT 2 officially opened on February 9, 2026, the product has not yet reached consumers. Recent reports from Android Authority and Videocardz indicate that both the NEXT 2 and the KONKR Fit Windows handhelds have faced shipping delays. The company has now provided an updated schedule, stating that shipments are planned to commence in June 2026.
The delay for these specific models follows a period of anticipation for AYANEO’s next generation of high-end Windows hardware. For customers who participated in the early preorder windows, the June target provides a definitive timeline, though the exact week of dispatch has not been specified. The company’s ability to meet this June window will be a critical metric for its ability to satisfy demand for its flagship-tier products.
Comparison with the AYANEO 3 and Modular Systems
The NEXT 2 occupies a different segment of the AYANEO catalog than the AYANEO 3, which is marketed as the world’s first modular handheld gaming console. While the NEXT 2 focuses on the massive power of the Strix Halo architecture, the AYANEO 3 offers a different set of performance metrics designed for modularity and customization.
The AYANEO 3 utilizes AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 or Ryzen 7 8840U processors. Its graphics capabilities are driven by either Radeon 890M or 780M chips, with clock speeds ranging from 2700 to 2900 MHz. Memory configurations for the AYANEO 3 can reach up to 64GB of LPDDR5X at 7500 MT/s, and storage options include high-speed PCI-E 4.0 NVMe SSDs with capacities up to 4TB.
This distinction shows AYANEO’s strategy of bifurcating its high-end offerings: one line focused on the extreme performance of the NEXT 2, and another focused on the modular flexibility and standardized high-end components of the AYANEO 3. This allows the company to target different subsets of enthusiasts within the premium handheld market.
AYANEO’s Market Position and Evolution
AYANEO was founded in March 2020 by Arthur Zhang, a tech entrepreneur and gaming enthusiast. Since its inception, the company has rapidly expanded its product portfolio to include a wide variety of handheld form factors, ranging from Android-based compact devices to high-power Windows machines.
The company’s product ecosystem includes the Pocket series, such as the Pocket AIR Mini, which features a 4.2-inch 4:3 display and is designed for portability and nostalgia. Other specialized models, such as the AYANEO Retro Mini PC series and various “FLIP” models with keyboard or DS-style configurations, demonstrate a focus on niche hardware iterations. This diversification is intended to capture interest from both cost-conscious tech enthusiasts and hardcore gamers looking for specialized hardware.
As the company approaches the June shipping window for the NEXT 2, its success will likely depend on its ability to manage the supply chain for its most advanced components. The transition from a newer brand founded in 2020 to a major player in the handheld space is being tested by the complexity of the hardware it is attempting to bring to market.