In early January of last year, Ayaneo sparked interest among gamers with the launch of their crowdfunding campaign for two innovative handheld devices, the Ayaneo Flip models. These clamshell designs, powered by AMD Ryzen, were named the Flip DS and Flip KB. Initially, we were able to share our first impressions of the Flip DS, but unfortunately, production for this device has been unexpectedly halted.
Despite promising updates and enhancements since its introduction—such as an upgrade from the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme-equivalent AMD Ryzen 7 7840U to the more advanced Ryzen 7 8840U—Ayaneo surprised everyone on February 25 by announcing that the production of the Ayaneo Flip handhelds was coming to an end. The company further stated that current backers have until March 27 to request a full refund or choose to trade up or down for another Ayaneo handheld. However, opting for a different model would require covering any cost differences.
This news is disheartening to many backers and gaming enthusiasts who eagerly awaited the release of these devices once their crowdfunding campaign came to a close. It’s frustrating to see that while reviews of the Ayaneo Flip are circulating, with some backers having received their units, Ayaneo isn’t able to meet the complete demand from its supporters. While Ayaneo has historically done well with crowdfunding projects, this situation underscores the reality of crowdfunding: it’s an investment rather than a guaranteed product purchase.
It’s genuinely disappointing to see things unfold this way. The Flip DS, in particular, was exciting to follow, especially for those of us looking for a modern take on the Nintendo DS and 3DS. It featured a dual-screen layout with powerful internals capable of emulating the Nintendo Switch and running AAA PC games. The design also supported multitasking and real-time system tweaks, making it stand out in a sea of devices otherwise resembling “a costly or inferior Steam Deck or ROG Ally,” apart from a few with exceptional controls or display capabilities.
While this abrupt end is regretful, there’s a silver lining for some. The few Ayaneo Flip DS and Flip KB models out there, particularly with reviewers and early backers, have suddenly become hot collectibles. Securing one of these rare gems might set you back considerably, given that no more will be produced.
