The Next II is designed to deliver laptop-level performance.
Ayaneo have formally lifted the lid on the Next II, describing it as their most advanced Windows handheld to date. Announced on 29 November, the new flagship doubles down on high-end components, upgraded controls, improved ergonomics, and a large battery, all wrapped in a noticeably more substantial chassis.
Display, design, and ergonomics
The Next II features a custom 9.06-inch OLED display, slightly larger than the 9-inch screen mentioned in earlier promotional material. It offers a 2400×1504 resolution, 1100-nit peak brightness, and 5280Hz PWM dimming, aimed at reducing flicker and improving comfort during long sessions. Refresh rates are switchable between 60Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz, 144Hz, and 165Hz, giving players several options to balance responsiveness and battery life.
While it remains a large device, Ayaneo emphasises a refined industrial design with smoother curves and a new, larger ergonomic grip. The brand claims that this brings it closer to the feel of a dedicated console controller, particularly for players who prefer extended sessions or more stable handling.
AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 included as the high-end chip for the handheld
Ayaneo’s partnership with AMD continues with the inclusion of the Ryzen AI Max+ 395, a high-end chip based on Zen 5 Strix Halo CPU architecture and an RDNA 3.5 Radeon 8060S iGPU. The device supports up to 85W TDP, which is unusually high for a handheld, and closer to compact gaming laptops than portable consoles.
A dual-fan cooling system paired with a dense fin array is designed to sustain this output. According to Ayaneo, the cooling solution should permit stable performance during AAA gaming, content creation, and other heavy workloads.
Powering all of this is a 115Wh internal battery, making the Next II the only handheld using this AMD chip that includes a built-in pack rather than a removable one. Real-world battery life remains untested, but the capacity is more than double the original Ayaneo Next.
Expanded Control System and Haptics
The Next II introduces one of Ayaneo’s most comprehensive control layouts:
- Hall effect joysticks with zero drift
- Hall linear triggers
- Dual-stage trigger locks, allowing players to switch between linear and micro-switch response
- A new floating 8-way D-pad designed for lighter actuation and more precise directionals
- Updated dual smart touchpads, branded “TouchTAPMagic" supporting gesture controls and key mapping
- Four redesigned rear geometric buttons
- Four additional customisable function keys (Navigation Key, Equals Key, LC, RC)
Haptic feedback is handled by a newly developed magnetic-levitation motor, capable of both linear and rotational vibration effects.
Audio, Build, and Software
The Next II uses front-facing stereo speakers, a welcome change from side-mounted or downward-firing designs found on many handheld PCs. Ayaneo claim the speakers offer improved clarity and directionality for games and media.
A new illuminated nameplate is included as a small cosmetic flourish, matching other recent Ayaneo models.
The device ships with the updated AYASpace software suite, which acts as both a launcher and a system management interface. Features include firmware-level fan control, performance tuning, macro support, controller customisation, a “Snowfield” background-process freezer, and a unified interface for local and cloud games.
No pricing and release date has been announced yet, so if you're looking forward to this, keep your eyes peeled for more information in the coming weeks or months.
