
I’ve been using the Ayaneo 2S in place of my Steam Deck for just over a month now, and the handheld gaming PC feels like a glimpse into the future. I’m not saying the pricey competitor gets everything right, nor am I suggesting that you should fork out for the 2S over Valve’s portable powerhouse. However, the console-like Windows 11 system really struts its stuff when it comes to gaming performance, building upon new standards established by the Asus ROG Ally just a few months ago.
With prices starting at $999, the Ayaneo 2S is firmly a member of the premium handheld gaming PC club. Its exuberant cost is matched by exceptional portable performance, lavish build quality, and a bunch of features you won’t find in cheaper systems. Just like the Asus ROG Ally, it runs Windows 11, which effectively breaks down compatibility barriers that the Steam Deck regularly has to vault across. That said, using Microsoft’s operating system is a double edged sword, and Ayaneo’s included software sharpens the point.