Ayaneo Flip DS & KB Production Halted — Limited Units Available, No More to Be Made

Back in January of last year, Ayaneo launched a crowdfunding campaign for their innovative clamshell designs known as the Ayaneo Flip DS and Flip KB handhelds, powered by AMD Ryzen. Fast forward a month, and although early feedback on the Flip DS seemed promising, the abrupt halt in production of these devices has left many surprised.

Ayaneo had been sprucing up the internals, moving from the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme-equivalent AMD Ryzen 7 7840U to the Ryzen 7 8840U. However, on February 25, Ayaneo announced that they would no longer be producing the Ayaneo Flip handhelds. Backers have until March 27 to request a refund or opt for a trade—either up or down—for another Ayaneo device, though they’ll need to cover any price difference themselves.

This news has surely disappointed the backers and eager fans who couldn’t wait to get their hands on one after the crowdfunding phase. Even though several reviewers received units and shared their thoughts, and some backers received their devices, Ayaneo hasn’t managed to meet all the crowdfunding demands. Despite their generally solid crowdfunding track record, this situation serves as a reminder that investing in crowdfunding is just that—an investment, not a purchase with guaranteed delivery.

Personally, it’s hard not to feel a bit melancholic over this unexpected turn. The Flip DS, especially, seemed poised to be a fresh take on the beloved Nintendo DS and 3DS. With its dual-screen design and robust internals capable of emulating a Nintendo Switch while handling AAA PC titles with ease, it stood out in a saturated market dominated by the likes of the Steam Deck and ROG Ally, highlighted only by variations in controllers or display quality.

Yet, not every promising concept comes through. On a brighter note, the Ayaneo Flip DS and KB models that are in circulation now hold a particular appeal to collectors, though acquiring one might require a hefty investment given their newfound rarity.