Ayaneo Air Plus review 2024: great performance

AyaNeo is producing PC handhelds at the same rate that customers are purchasing them. It feels like just a few weeks have passed since we reviewed the stunning AyaNeo 2, which is yet another outstanding mobile gaming PC. And yet, here we are, with the brand-new AyaNeo Air Plus device, which is available in no less than several distinct configurations, each of which is incredibly fascinating in its own right.

The top-of-the-line model that I’ve been putting through its paces has the same AMD Ryzen 7 6800U chipset that we found in the more expensive AyaNeo 2, but it does so in a more compact chassis, making it a device that is significantly more convenient to use when playing games on the go. Consequently, in my opinion, this is the best mobile gaming PC that can currently be purchased on the market. It provides the same AAA performance as the AyaNeo 2, but at a price range that is closer to that of the Steam Deck.

Ayaneo Air Plus Specifications

AyaNeo is cranking out portable computers as fast as people will buy them. Only a little time has passed since we reviewed yet another fantastic portable gaming PC, the stunning AyaNeo 2.

Ayaneo Air Plus: Design

If you give someone who isn’t well-versed on handheld PCs an Ayaneo Air Plus, you should expect one of two outcomes. At first, they’ll probably think it’s a Switch Lite refresh. Then they’ll be shocked to learn that your tiny portable system is a full-fledged PC gamer. Its dimensions are 3.5 by 9.3 inches, making it significantly smaller than the Switch Lite, but its thickness is 0.4 inches greater so that it can house more robust hardware.

It’s nearly identical to the Air Pro of the previous generation, but it’s an inch longer. This longer form factor makes possible a more roomy six-inch display. It’s bright and clear, with a maximum brightness of 400 nits and a native resolution of 1080p. It offers a wide colour range, covering up to 120% of the sRGB colour space, and is bright and viewable from all sides. It has a beautiful display, but the contrast isn’t as good as the original Air’s AMOLED screen.

Ayaneo Air Plus: Software

The Ayaneo Air Plus relies on the AyaSpace software suite for setting up the device and launching apps and games. The company has been using the same suite since our first study of the Ayaneo Next; however, multiple updates have been released since then, making the program far more stable and well-explained.

You can think about AyaSpace as having three distinct parts. The first is related to global settings. All of the options for the shortcut menu are here, plus more. Here you can configure your own TDPs and choose which shortcuts to display in the quick launch menu.

Ayaneo Air Plus: Performance

In our assessment of the Aya Neo Air and Air Pro from the previous year, we mentioned that both of these consoles are excellent choices for playing both new and classic video games. The Air Plus is subject to the same criticisms as well. When it comes to playing games on this system, you really don’t have anything to complain about, despite the fact that Windows and Aya Space both have their share of issues. There are a few apparent exceptions to this rule, but other than that, it can handle practically everything you throw at it.

You will never be able to get modern games that are extremely demanding to run as smoothly as they would on a high-end desktop PC, but if you put in the time and effort, you can get things flowing well enough that the experience will be nearly identical.

Price and Availability

The AyaNeo Air Plus begins at a modest $599, but the top-end AMD Ryzen 7 6800U model costs more than Steam Deck. You’ll then have a machine that’s more powerful than Valve’s, but it’ll also be quite expensive. Valve’s game sales through the Steam shop help fund the Steam Deck, so this is reasonable. If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, consider purchasing a gaming laptop rather than a desktop computer.

The novelty of having a portable device, however, will be diminished. Even though it has nearly the same internal specifications and can run AAA PC games just as well as the high-end AyaNeo 2, it costs less. The Intel Alder Lake Core i3 1215U starts at $649, while the AMD Ryzen 3 7320U and Ryzen 5 7520U start at $599 on the AyaNeo Air Plus.

Final Words

Even though the Ayaneo Air Plus is a fantastic gaming tablet, competition has increased with the release of the Air Pro. The lack of an OLED panel and the availability of the ROG Ally for $699 make the $779 price tag appear less attractive. Its portability plus the comfort and responsiveness of its joysticks and triggers set it apart from the competition and may convince you to buy it.

Ayaneo Air Plus review: The good and The bad

Gaming on a handheld PC is currently at an all-time high thanks to the AyaNeo Air Plus, which features a design that is legitimately portable and is packed to the brim with power.

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