At the beginning of last year, Ayaneo embarked on a journey of crowdfunding with the launch of their AMD Ryzen-powered Ayaneo Flip handhelds named Flip DS and Flip KB. These unique clamshell designs captured a lot of attention, and we were among the first to share impressions of the Flip DS. Unexpectedly, though, the entire production of this device has been halted.
Initially, all signs pointed towards promise. Continuous updates kept interest high, especially after the internals got a significant upgrade—from the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme-equivalent AMD Ryzen 7 7840U to the even mightier Ryzen 7 8840U. However, on February 25th of this year, Ayaneo made a surprising announcement. Not only did they stop production of the Ayaneo Flip handhelds, but they also informed backers they have until March 27 to either request a full refund or swap their orders for a different Ayaneo product. Any trade would mean backers might have to cover some cost differences.
This is a blow to backers and fans who eagerly awaited the product after the end of the crowdfunding campaign. It’s particularly frustrating given that several outlets received units for review, many of which have been shared publicly, and some early backers were actually able to get their hands on these handhelds. While Ayaneo generally succeeds with its crowdfunding efforts, this situation underscores a crucial point we often emphasize—that backing a crowdfunding project is an investment, not a promise of a sure-fire product delivery.
Despite the setback, there’s still a sense of loss. The Flip DS, as we explored before, seemed like it would fill a niche—providing a modern successor to beloved gaming consoles like the Nintendo DS and 3DS.
The dual-screen design, coupled with powerful specs capable of running Nintendo Switch emulations and AAA PC games, offered something rare. It seemed like a formidable contender in the handheld gaming arena, which has often been crowded with devices that boil down to “just another Steam Deck or ROG Ally clone” with only a few standing out for exceptional hardware features.
Yet, some great ideas never reach fruition. On the bright side, this turn of events could turn the existing Ayaneo Flip DS and Flip KB units into sought-after collector’s items—though obtaining one might come with a hefty price tag, given their absolute rarity now.
