The gaming world is abuzz with excitement as the Ayaneo Kun makes its debut. While its unique trackpads initially caught our attention, it’s the new extreme gaming mode that has everyone talking as the Indiegogo campaign launches on September 5.
What sets the Ayaneo Kun apart is its mind-boggling 54W mode, a level of power that surpasses anything seen in handheld gaming before. This mode unleashes the AMD Ryzen 7 7840U chip into uncharted territory, far exceeding AMD’s reported TDP of 30W. In fact, it outpaces competitors like the ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and OneXFly, making it the most potent handheld gaming PC available.
But here’s the kicker – this extreme mode isn’t just for docked and plugged-in gaming. Ayaneo states that you can even use it unplugged, although it’s better suited for plugged-in play.
When running on battery, you can expect approximately 49 minutes of game time, thanks to the substantial 75Wh battery that occupies nearly 30% of the device’s volume.
Impressive Battery Life
Switching to a more traditional 15W TDP, the Ayaneo Kun boasts an impressive battery life, offering over three hours of gaming. This makes it one of the longest-lasting handheld gaming devices on the market.
In terms of performance gains, the 54W mode delivers moderate improvements. Based on Ayaneo’s data, you can expect 7 to 14% higher frame rates in the three tested games. While this boost can enhance gameplay when plugged in, running it on battery in this extreme mode may not be ideal.
Heat Management
One concern is the potential heat generated in this ultra-extreme mode. Despite its size, the Ayaneo Kun features a robust cooling system called ‘KUNPeng’ with a sizable fan.
However, temperatures in the 54W mode can reach around 84°C, which is twice as hot as the 15W mode’s 42°C. This raises questions about potential heat-related issues, similar to those seen with the ROG Ally and SD cards.
The Ayaneo Kun offers impressive capabilities but comes at a cost. The early bird price for the basic 16GB RAM | 512GB SSD version starts at $999, increasing to $1,209 upon final release. For those seeking even more power, the top-tier 64GB RAM | 4TB SSD model reaches a hefty $1,949.
Excited gamers can begin pre-ordering the Ayaneo Kun on Indiegogo starting tomorrow, with shipments expected to commence in October. While this device promises unparalleled gaming performance, its higher price range positions it as a primary gaming device rather than a portable companion to your desktop. The more budget-friendly Steam Deck remains an attractive alternative for many gamers.
