The Ayaneo Kun, a new handheld gaming PC, is set to launch with a feature that has been unique to the Steam Deck until now: a pair of trackpads.
This development comes a year and a half after Steam Deck’s release and suggests a new trend in handheld gaming devices.
The Ayaneo Kun: A New Contender in Handheld Gaming
The Ayaneo Kun, set to launch on Indiegogo at the end of August, is powered by the Ryzen 7 7840U APU, a common choice among AMD-powered devices. However, what sets the Ayaneo Kun apart from its competitors are its dual trackpads, a feature previously exclusive to the Steam Deck.
These trackpads, located below the thumbsticks, aim to provide mouse-like functionality, enhancing the gaming experience, particularly for strategy and management games that are not typically controller-friendly.
The Ayaneo Kun’s Unique Features
The Ayaneo Kun is a larger handheld device compared to the Steam Deck, designed for “semi-mobile scenarios.” It features an 8.4-inch screen with a 1600p native resolution and a 75Wh battery, larger than both the ROG Ally and the Steam Deck.
The device’s dual trackpads are round, a departure from the Steam Deck’s square pads. While it remains to be seen how well these trackpads function, their inclusion marks the Ayaneo Kun as the first Windows handheld with a touchpad design.
The Ayaneo Family of Handhelds
In addition to the Ayaneo Kun, the company is also launching the Ayaneo Air 1S in August. This smaller device, powered by the same Ryzen 7 7840U, features a 5.5-inch 1080p screen and a 38Wh battery, making it a lighter and more compact option for gamers on the go.
Furthermore, Ayaneo has announced the Ayaneo Slide, a gaming handheld with a slide-out screen, an adjustable angle, and an RGB-backlit keyboard. This device is set to launch later in the year.
The Future of Handheld Gaming
The Ayaneo Kun’s adoption of the Steam Deck’s trackpad feature suggests a new trend in handheld gaming devices. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how other companies adapt and innovate to meet the needs of gamers.
Especially the renowned competition of the Steam Deck, the ASUS ROG Ally.