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Jokes aside, buying the $4,299 Ayaneo Next 2 would mean selling my car
GamesRadar+ argues that Ayaneo’s Next 2 handheld gaming PC is priced far beyond the mainstream market, with its top configuration costing $4,299. The price matters because it places a portable gaming device alongside the cost of a used car or a high-end desktop computer, raising questions about its practical value despite its powerful specifications.
The article frames the price with humour but suggests the concern is genuine: buying the most expensive model would be difficult to justify for most consumers. Ayaneo is positioning the Next 2 as a premium, performance-focused handheld, but the $4,299 figure is substantially higher than competing portable PCs such as Valve’s Steam Deck and Asus’s ROG Ally.
In short
- Ayaneo’s Next 2 can cost $4,299.
- Its price greatly exceeds mainstream handheld rivals.
- High-end specifications may not justify the cost.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The Ayaneo Next 2 represents a premium segment of handheld gaming devices aimed at enthusiasts willing to pay for cutting-edge performance and superior build quality. Just as professional laptops and high-end workstations command premium prices, a top-tier portable gaming PC with flagship specifications can justify premium pricing for users demanding the absolute best portable computing experience. Smaller manufacturers with lower production volumes often have higher unit costs, and for dedicated gaming enthusiasts, the price reflects the value of unprecedented portable power.
The case against
At £3,400, the Ayaneo Next 2 has priced itself beyond reasonable justification for what remains fundamentally a handheld gaming device. This exceeds high-end gaming laptops and approaches used car costs, whilst competitors like the Steam Deck deliver exceptional gaming at a fraction of the price. For most consumers, this pricing is simply inaccessible and undermines the device's practical value as a portable solution, suggesting Ayaneo has abandoned the broader market in favour of ultra-niche positioning that may struggle to find sufficient demand.
Explained simply
Handheld gaming computers are portable devices that run full video games, offering the processing power of a desktop or laptop in a compact form. They have become increasingly popular in recent years as the technology has improved, with various manufacturers competing in the market.
Ayaneo is a Chinese manufacturer specialising in handheld gaming devices. The company's latest model, the Next 2, features premium specifications designed to run demanding games smoothly whilst on the move.
The most expensive configuration of the Next 2 costs $4,299, placing it at a price comparable to a used car or high-end desktop computer. This is substantially higher than competing devices such as Valve's Steam Deck and Asus's ROG Ally, raising questions about its mainstream appeal despite its powerful performance.