'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
AYANEO Next Lite is an upcoming handheld gaming PC from Ayaneo, set to release later in 2024. The Next Lite differentiates itself from its competitors by being a sub-$400 handheld PC and the first non-Valve option to offer a SteamOS-like Linux-based operating system out of the box. Although the extent of Ayaneo’s software customization is unknown, it remains an intriguing product and one worth watching out for.
Information regarding the availability, specifications, and other miscellaneous details can be found below, sourced from the official product web page.
AYANEO Next Lite release date
Trending
Although Ayaneo has not provided a release date for the handheld, based on prior trends seen in the company, we can speculate the Next Lite will be released sometime by Q2 2024. Additional information regarding the exact release date will be added to this section in the future.
AYANEO Next Lite price and availability
The Next Lite will be available in two variants. The base version will be available at $299, while the top model will be available at $399. Keep in mind that these prices are not final. The retail prices of these handheld PCs are expected to be slightly higher.
Like prior Ayaneo devices, the Next Lite is expected to be available via the company’s Indiegogo campaign page. The handheld will be made available at a discounted price against a limited number of units. Readers will have to pre-order the Next Lite from the Indiegogo page, which will also list its estimated delivery schedule.
The product should also be available to purchase directly via the Ayaneo website at a later date.
AYANEO Next Lite specifications
The specifications of the Next Lite can be found in the table below:
The Next Lite is a particularly interesting handheld as it ships out of the box with support for Linux in a market mostly dominated by Windows. The only other handheld with this level of Linux support is the Steam Deck.
The distro (Linux distribution) of choice on the Next Lite is HoloISO, a project that is derived from Valve’s own SteamOS image. The exact level of support and functionality offered by Ayaneo remains to be seen, however.
Should you buy the AYANEO Next Lite?
Note: This section is subjective and solely reflects the author’s opinions.
Unfortunately, despite its compelling price, the Next Lite is not worth the purchase. In particular, the AMD 4500U/4800U combination is severely outdated in 2024, mostly due to the fact that these chipsets come bundled with Radeon Vega Graphics instead of the usual RDNA2 graphics seen in modern handhelds such as the ROG Ally. Vega is vastly inferior compared to RDNA2/RDNA3 and will be a poor choice for any modern games. Emulation is a different story, but the 4800U may be strong enough for it.
Coupled with the uncertainty of HoloISO’s support and functionality on the Next Lite, readers are better off picking the regular Steam Deck at $399, thanks to its superior performance and software support.
For more updates on the AYANEO Next Lite, keep an eye out on our Gaming Tech section.
