Back at the beginning of last year, Ayaneo hit the crowdfunding scene with some exciting new projects: the Ayaneo Flip handhelds, known as Flip DS and Flip KB, both powered by AMD Ryzen. Things were looking up, and we jumped on the opportunity to share our initial thoughts on the Flip DS. But then, out of the blue, production came to a screeching halt.
Even with early feedback showing plenty of promise—especially when they upgraded from the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme-level AMD Ryzen 7 7840U to an even better Ryzen 7 8840U—Ayaneo made a surprising announcement on February 25 this year. They decided to halt production altogether. Backers now have until March 27 to decide whether they want a full refund or to exchange for another Ayaneo handheld. Keep in mind, though, if there’s a price difference, it’s on you to cover it.
This sudden halt is a big letdown for fans who were eagerly waiting to test out this device once the fundraising campaign wrapped up. Numerous media outlets have reviewed these models already, and some backers even received theirs, which makes it all the more disheartening. Ayaneo isn’t new to crowdfunding; they usually handle it well. But this serves as a reminder that crowdfunding can be risky—it’s an investment, not a guaranteed purchase.
I have to admit, this turn of events hits hard. We previously discussed how the Flip DS seemed like it was shaping up to be the next big thing for those nostalgic for the Nintendo DS and 3DS.
The dual-screen setup and advanced hardware capable of emulating the Nintendo Switch or running AAA PC games, coupled with unique features for multitasking or system tweaking, set the Ayaneo Flip DS apart in a crowded market. Most options out there were either clones trying to be Steam Decks or ROG Allys but coming up short, aside from some with standout controllers or displays.
It’s a tough reality that not all promising projects come to fruition. On the plus side, for those lucky enough to have a Flip DS or Flip KB, these could become rare collectibles. Just be prepared to spend a hefty sum if you want to own one, because production isn’t resuming anytime soon.
