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T3
Technology
Rik Henderson

There's a $299 Steam Deck rival that also runs SteamOS

Ayaneo Next Lite.

Ayaneo has been extremely busy of late. The Chinese manufacturer has launched a swathe of gaming handhelds and other devices over the last few months, in different shapes and sizes.

Now it's announced a "budget" gaming handheld which, it claims, will be the first non-Valve handheld to run on SteamOS – albeit the third-party HoloISO equivalent.

The Ayaneo Next Lite will be a trimmed back version of the company's existing Next and Next Pro devices. It'll share similar build quality and "texture", while "lowering the entry barrier".

It'll be available from $299, so is cheaper than most rivals, including the Steam Deck. It puts it more in the Nintendo Switch bracket, in fact.

(Image credit: Ayaneo)

Ayaneo has also revealed some of the key specifications and features for its "value-for-money" machine.

It uses Next Grip ergonomic handles for comfort while playing, and comes with a 7-inch 800p IPS display, which keeps the cost down while offering a decent-sized playing field.

Perhaps most importantly, the Next Lite retains the Hall sensing joysticks and triggers of its older siblings for greater accuracy and zero stick drift.

(Image credit: Ayaneo)

Running the show will be either an AMD Ryzen 5 4500U or Ryzen 7 4800U processing unit, depending on the model, plus 16GB of LPDDR4x RAM. Storage options will be 128GB (for the Ryzen 5 model) and 512GB. That can be expanded further through swapping out the SSD (up to 8TB).

There will also be a mighty 47Wh battery inside for hours of playtime, plus X-axis linear motors. Connectivity will be provided through USB-C, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.

Ayaneo plans to release the Next Lite in three colourways – Pastel Blue, Bright White, and Jet Black. You can sign up for more information (including potential release date) from its official website.

(Image credit: Ayaneo)

As for the other devices Ayaneo has announced lately, the Flip KB and Flip DS – with the latter inspired by the Nintendo DS – should soon be available to order (likely before the Next Lite).

The clamshell devices could really shake up the sector, especially with the Flip KB including a full keyboard and fingertip mousepad, as well as the usual thumbstick controls.

We'll bring you more on those too, when the duo finally go on sale on Indiegogo.

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