Ayaneo challenges the Steam Deck and the Asus ROG Ally with the Air 1S

Ayaneo seems determined to make a grand entrance with the Air 1S. AMOLED, AMD Ryzen 7 7840U, 18 mm thick and only 450 grams.

The race to dominate the high-end handheld game console market has become more intense than ever. After GPD, Ayaneo, the long-time specialist in this field, recently announced the launch of its latest toy: the Air 1S. This is a product that the company says will rival Valve’s Steam Deck and the Asus ROG Ally.

Ayaneo, known for its range of portable consoles, is a company that has significant experience in the production of this type of device. The Air 1S appears to be a product designed to show off Ayaneo’s craftsmanship.

What does it have to offer?

The Air 1S is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor (AMD Radeon 780M GPU), a chip that stands out for its solid performance. As an accompaniment, the device will be equipped with a 5.5-inch diagonal AMOLED screen in 1080p definition, a rather unusual characteristic for this type of product where LCD screens are more common. The AMOLED display will deliver more vivid colors and deeper blacks, which will undoubtedly improve the gaming experience. Obviously, it comes with Windows 11 Pro.

What particularly sets this version apart is the compact size of the console. Ayaneo has managed to design a much smaller device than its previous models, with the thinnest model measuring just 18mm thick. Additionally, with a weight of 450 grams, the Air 1S is significantly lighter than the Steam Deck, which weighs around 669 grams. This reduction in size and weight does not, however, hamper the quality of the controls, which include reliable components such as joysticks and Hall effect sensors.

Ayaneo uses the Indiegogo crowdfunding platform to secure orders, it also offers the possibility to order directly on its own website. While this approach may make the ordering process a bit more laborious for some, it gives Ayaneo more leeway to develop and deliver its products.