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T3
T3
Technology
Rik Henderson

The Ayaneo 3 Steam Deck rival comes with an amazing magic trick

Ayaneo 3 Windows gaming handheld.
Quick Summary

Ayaneo has released more details on its upcoming Windows gaming handheld and it's looking to be an innovative alternative to Steam Deck.

The Ayaneo 3 will come with "Magic Module" controllers, which can be turned or swapped for multiple configurations.

There's a Steam Deck rival coming in the new year that has a real magic trick up its sleeve. Instead of being just another AMD Ryzen Windows device, it offers a design innovation that could be a literal game-changer.

We first heard about the Ayaneo 3 in November, but its unique talent was just teased at the time. Now we've learned that the PC handheld will come with switchable control modules.

Each side contains a slot for a "Magic Module", which can be switched around or swapped for a different configuration. Alternative thumbstick and D-pad combinations can therefore be created to best suit each game.

Extra Magic Modules will be available, including one with a six button array rather than a right thumbstick, while most of them can also be completely turned around, so if you prefer your sticks at the bottom, like a DualSense controller rather than Xbox, say, then that will be possible too.

(Image credit: Ayaneo)
(Image credit: Ayaneo)
(Image credit: Ayaneo)

In terms of other specs, the Ayaneo 3 will be available in two versions – one with a 7-inch 1080p 120Hz LCD display, the other a step-up model with a 7-inch 1080p 144Hz OLED screen.

It can be spec'ed up to an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, while sound has been boosted over the Ayaneo 2, using magnetic suspension motors in the stereo speaker array.

Both variants will run on Ayaneo's latest software – Ayaspace 3.0.

We're still awaiting further details as the brand gets ready to launch, although it posted a live stream (in Chinese) with a brief hands-on look at the device yesterday.

You'll find it available to purchase on Indiegogo soon and if you head there now you can sign up to be one of the first to find out more.

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