The Ayaneo 2S handheld console has been generating considerable excitement within the gaming community, largely attributed to its robust hardware and impressive gaming capabilities. This portable gaming console provides enthusiasts with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the latest AAA PC titles while utilizing the convenience of a portable Windows 11 platform.
It has AMD Ryzen 7840U processor and complemented by Radeon 780M graphics, the Ayaneo 2S ensures a gaming experience that stands up to popular handheld consoles like the Asus ROG Ally and Steam Deck.
Specs and features
When powering on the Ayaneo 2S and going through the setup process, you’ll notice that the software interface is almost identical to previous Ayaneo models. The console runs on Windows 11, providing you with a familiar operating system environment. However, the Ayaneo 2S offers something unique called ispace. This feature acts as a gaming hub, allowing you quick access to all your installed games, regardless of the platform. Whether you have games from Steam, Epic Games, or Game Pass, you can find them all in one place. Additionally, ispace provides extensive gaming settings customization options, including joystick controls, sensitivity adjustments, custom shortcuts, and even RGB lighting effects for the thumbsticks.
While ispace offers comprehensive customization features, it may take some time to get used to the interface, as it is quite dense and feature-rich. Storage management could be improved, as the console doesn’t display the sizes of individual games. If you running out of storage, you have the option to expand the storage up to four terabytes. The Ayaneo 2S also includes a memory card slot that supports data transfer speeds of up to 300 megabytes per second.
The Ayaneo 2S shortcuts bar enables swift access to settings like screen brightness, screen resolution, and performance modes. It offers various performance modes, including power-saving, game mode, and pro mode. In pro mode, you have the flexibility to manually configure the wattage, optimizing the console’s performance. While the Ayaneo 2S delivers a comprehensive gaming experience with its customization options and performance settings, it’s worth noting that the interface may have a learning curve for users.
Unboxing and Design
Upon unboxing, you’ll discover the Ayaneo 2S console alongside various accessories, thoughtfully organized in a separate box. The console is partnered with a robust 100-watt power adapter, impressively capable of charging multiple devices simultaneously. With two USB-C ports and a pair of USB-A ports, the Ayaneo 2S ensures convenient charging options. The power adapter’s versatility extends globally, accommodating various plug types. This adaptability is further enhanced by the inclusion of a pair of USB-A to USB-C adapters and a USB-C cable.
The Ayaneo 2S presents a design that may evoke a sense of familiarity for those acquainted with its predecessor, the Ayaneo 2. Retaining the same overall design, controls, and features, this handheld console boasts a sturdy build, tipping the scales at approximately 667 grams, providing a substantial feel in hand. While the Ayaneo 2S leans towards the bulkier side, it compensates with a solid grip, ensuring comfort during prolonged gaming sessions. For those seeking a lighter and more portable alternative, options like the Ayaneo Air Plus or Pro, or even the Nintendo Switch OLED, might be worth considering.
Available in both white and black color variants, the Ayaneo 2S also offers limited edition models flaunting unique designs. The front of the console is adorned with an all-glass display, complemented by sections surrounding the controls made of impact and scratch-resistant glass. The finish is sleek and minimalist, devoid of visible screws or imperfections. The top section of the Ayaneo 2S Console accommodates a pair of USB ports, while the bottom section houses a headphone jack and a memory card slot.
Screen and Audio
The Ayaneo 2S boasts a 7-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 1920×1200 pixels. While lacking OLED technology found in some other handheld consoles, the display still delivers sharp visuals. The IPS panel offers good contrast, displaying reasonably deep blacks and vibrant colors. The performance of the display is commendable, ensuring an immersive gaming experience, even in darker scenes like those in Returnal. However, it’s important to note that the display’s maximum brightness might face challenges under direct sunlight, necessitating shade for optimal visibility.
One notable specification is the Ayaneo 2S’s 60Hz refresh rate, in contrast to the 120Hz options available on devices like the Asus ROG Ally. Given that the majority of handheld game consoles aren’t designed to fully leverage higher refresh rates, this limitation may not significantly impact your gaming experience.
The Ayaneo 2S incorporates a stereo speaker setup, with both speakers located at the bottom of the console. Despite their downward-firing position, these speakers produce robust sound that can reach high volumes without distortion. However, the audio quality leans towards being slightly tinny, lacking the depth and richness that could enhance the overall gaming experience. For an optimal audio experience, it is recommended to use headphones, especially when playing games with immersive soundtracks. Notably, the Ayaneo 2S comes equipped with built-in microphones, facilitating communication with teammates without requiring a headset.
Performance and Gaming Test
The Ayaneo 2S shines when it comes to performance, thanks to its upgraded hardware. The console swaps out the previous Ryzen 6800U processor for a more powerful AMD Ryzen 7840U and integrates a Radeon 780M GPU. Ayaneo 2S the RAM options have expanded, with a 64GB model now available alongside the 16GB and 32GB options. You can also connect an external GPU, such as the Razer Core X, for even more gaming power.
The Ayaneo 2S’s upgraded hardware delivers impressive gaming performance, comparable to other handheld consoles like the Asus ROG Ally. When benchmarked using 3DMark’s Time Spy, the Ayaneo 2S achieved a score of 3088, matching the performance of the ROG Ally. It passed stress tests with flying colors, earning a score of 98.6, indicating excellent stability under heavy gaming loads.
To put the Ayaneo 2S to the test, I played some demanding AAA titles. Games like Returnal ran smoothly with respectable frame rates on medium detail settings at 1980×1200 resolution. I was able to enjoy visually stunning games like Forza 5 and Doom Eternal on higher graphics settings, and they looked fantastic on the crisp IPS screen of the Ayaneo 2S.
During my gaming sessions, I didn’t experience any significant drops in frame rates or performance issues. The Ayaneo 2S handled the demanding titles with ease, providing a smooth and immersive gaming experience. It’s worth mentioning that playing Doom Eternal with ultra nightmare settings and ray tracing enabled did result in a lower frame rate, averaging around 15 frames per second. However, disabling ray tracing immediately improved the performance, allowing for a fluid 60 frames per second experience.
Cooling and Controls
The Ayaneo 2S is equipped with an upgraded cooling system designed to maintain optimal performance during intense gaming sessions. This system incorporates a high-speed fan, three copper tubes, graphene technology, and large vents to efficiently dissipate heat. When the console is under heavy loads, the fan can produce noticeable noise as it works diligently to expel hot air. However, despite the fan’s audible operation, the cooling system performs admirably, effectively preventing thermal throttling and ensuring stable performance.
The Ayaneo 2S boasts excellent controls that cater to a wide range of gaming preferences. The triggers have been improved to provide a smoother experience, enhancing gameplay. The console features a responsive touchscreen, allowing for touch controls when needed. While the Ayaneo 2S lacks a touchpad like the Steam Deck, it compensates with its versatile touchscreen functionality. Overall, the controls are comfortable and well-suited for extended gaming sessions.
Battery life
As for the battery life, the Ayaneo 2S delivers standard performance despite an increase in battery capacity. The 5025mAh battery can sustain up to two hours of gameplay on a full charge when the console is operating at maximum performance. Shifting to balanced mode extends the battery life to approximately three hours. It’s important to note that graphically intensive games will consume battery power more rapidly. If you’re gearing up for an extended gaming session on the Ayaneo 2S, having a charger or power bank on hand is advisable to ensure uninterrupted gameplay.
Final Thoughts
To conclude, the Ayaneo 2S is a powerful handheld console that offers impressive gaming performance. It may not be the most user-friendly handheld console in terms of its interface, it compensates with its customization options and hardware capabilities. The design is sturdy and aesthetically pleasing, and the display delivers sharp visuals. With its upgraded hardware, the Ayaneo 2S handles demanding AAA titles with ease, providing a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. The cooling system keeps temperatures in check, and the controls are responsive and comfortable. The battery life, while not exceptional, is adequate for shorter gaming sessions.
If you’re searching a portable gaming console that offers high performance and versatility, the Ayaneo 2S is worth considering. It competes with other popular handheld consoles like the Asus ROG Ally and Steam Deck, offering a compelling option for gamers on the go.
The Ayaneo 2S handles demanding AAA titles with ease, providing a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.
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Design10
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Specs and Features9.5
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Display8.5
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Audio8
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Performance8.5
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Cooling8
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Controls8.4
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Battery Life7
