Prepare yourself for a startling revelation: Ayaneo's freshly unveiled handheld gaming device comes with an astonishing price tag that could reach up to $4,300 due to a critical memory shortage.
Just this past weekend, the Chinese tech company introduced its latest innovation, the Next 2, which resembles the popular Steam Deck but operates on Windows 11. What sets this gadget apart is not just its impressive 9-inch display and substantial weight of 3.1 pounds, but also its eye-watering pricing.
The entry-level model, equipped with 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, will be priced at $1,999. In contrast, the premium variant, boasting a staggering 128GB of RAM and 2TB of storage, will retail for an astonishing $4,299.
During a live streaming event, Ayaneo's CEO, Arthur Zhang, attributed these exorbitant prices to the ongoing memory crisis, which has been exacerbated by tech giants monopolizing chip supplies for their AI data centers. "We need to face the reality of pricing and take a moment to lament. Honestly, I was hesitant about bringing this product to market," Zhang candidly stated in translated comments. He further explained that as development progressed on the Next 2, costs escalated, and Ayaneo would actually incur losses at these price points.
For context, the first-generation Next was already on the pricier side, with its highest model priced at $1,565, featuring 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage.
"The suppliers of storage components are putting us in a tight spot," Zhang expressed, highlighting the broader implications of the memory shortage, which has already driven up costs for PC graphics cards, RAM, SSDs, and various essential computer parts.
On a brighter note, Ayaneo is providing early adopters with a discounted rate for the Next 2 through a campaign on Indiegogo. So far, however, the initiative has attracted only 60 backers. The company plans to begin shipping the first units of the Next 2 to customers outside of China by June.
It's important to note that this memory shortage is anticipated to persist well into the upcoming year, prompting Valve to revise both the launch timeline and pricing for its Steam Machine and Steam Frame VR headset.
Stay updated with our top stories by subscribing to our newsletter!
About the Author:
Michael Kan, a seasoned journalist with over 15 years of experience, covers technology for PCMag. After starting his career reporting on schools and cities in Kansas City, he joined PCMag in 2017, focusing on satellite internet, cybersecurity, and PC hardware. Currently based in San Francisco, he has spent over five years in China reporting on technology trends.
Since 2020, Michael has reported extensively on the launch and rapid rise of SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service, producing over 600 articles that detail its features, availability, regulatory challenges, competition with rivals like AST SpaceMobile and Amazon, and efforts to expand into mobile services via satellite. He has even delved into FCC filings for the latest updates and tested Starlink's cellular service in remote areas of California.
In addition to his coverage of satellite internet, Michael investigates cyber threats, including ransomware gangs and the rise of AI-powered malware. Earlier this year, he contributed to an investigation that led to the FTC ordering Avast to pay $16.5 million for secretly collecting and selling user data to third parties.
Michael also tracks developments in the PC graphics card market, sharing his experiences during pandemic-related shortages and discussing how tariffs may impact the industry. He welcomes feedback and tips from readers, encouraging lively discussions in the comments section.
