Last January, Ayaneo sparked excitement in the gaming community with the launch of their crowdfunding campaign for two intriguing clamshell handhelds—the Ayaneo Flip DS and Flip KB, both powered by AMD Ryzen. Early previews of the Flip DS generated quite a buzz, but unexpectedly, Ayaneo has pulled the plug on its production.
Despite the promising updates and enhancements—like the upgrade from a ROG Ally Z1 Extreme’s equivalent, the AMD Ryzen 7 7840U, to the more advanced Ryzen 7 8840U—Ayaneo made a surprising announcement on February 25th. They revealed that they are halting all production of the Ayaneo Flip handhelds. Backers now have until March 27th to choose between a full refund or a swap for another Ayaneo device, although going for a different option might mean paying any price difference.
For many backers and fans who eagerly awaited the release, this decision is quite a letdown. It’s particularly frustrating since several review units made it out and some backers actually received their devices. Ayaneo typically handles crowdfunding projects well, but this incident serves as a poignant reminder of the risks involved in backing such campaigns—you’re investing in an idea that might not always materialize.
I must say, I’m disappointed by this twist. We previously highlighted how the Flip DS, with its dual-screen setup, seemed poised to become a modern successor to the beloved Nintendo DS and 3DS. Its capability to emulate the Nintendo Switch and run AAA PC games, while also supporting multitasking with second-screen features, made it a unique entry in the handheld arena. Unlike most other options, which often seemed like pricier and less efficient versions of the Steam Deck or ROG Ally, the Flip DS stood out for its innovative design and powerful hardware.
Sadly, not all promising projects come to fruition. On a brighter note, the few Ayaneo Flip DS and Flip KB units that are already with YouTubers and early supporters may now become coveted collector’s items. However, getting your hands on one is likely to require quite the investment given their newfound rarity.
