The AYA NEO is a new handheld gaming console on the market. Created by a small team of Chinese developers, this handheld device is practically a PC computer the relative size and shape of a Nintendo Switch, suggesting it could be a competitor. The AYA NEO has a crowdfunding campaign that had raised over $2 million back in April of this year. There are so many people that want to get their hands on this console that the team has had to stop taking new donors in order to keep up with previous orders.
One of the most exciting aspects of the AYA NEO is that it is literally a PC in a handheld gaming device. The console runs Windows 10, which means that owners can use the console as they would use a PC. They can download browsers and other apps, like Netflix or YouTube, and stream from their console. They can also use any game store a PC can use, to places like Epic Games Store, Steam, and even Xbox Game Pass. This would be a seamless transition for those who already own games on these platforms. All they would need to do is download any titles they want to play. Compared to the Switch's library, the selection of games is much smaller.
The latest addition to the handheld gaming market comes amidst rumors of a Nintendo Switch Pro - rumors that have not yet been confirmed by Nintendo. Considering the AYA NEO looks so similar to the Switch - and the fact that the developers stated on Indiegogo they used the Switch as inspiration - comparisons are bound to come up. Nothing is actually known for certain about the alleged new Switch, but it is interesting to look at the AYA NEO for what could come from Nintendo in the future: 60 FPS, a larger screen, faster loading times, and larger storage capacity. Looking at what the AYA NEO can do, it may be that this console is even better than the Switch. But beyond any Switch comparisons, the AYA NEO is something to keep an eye on for those who love handheld gaming.
The AYA NEO Might Just Be The Next Big Handheld Console
A great addition that the AYA NEO provides to handheld gaming is Bluetooth support. While there is a headphone jack in the device, players could also connect their favorite Bluetooth headphones while they game. This has been a highly desired feature for a quite a while, and one that has yet to be included for most consoles, even the next-gen. The AYA NEO also has a 7 inch touchscreen that supports 800p resolution. Other great features the console includes are a 1 TB SSD, 16 GB RAM, three USB ports, and controller rumble.
While all that storage and a larger screen are great, the success of this device will come down to how well it runs games, and this is where the AYA NEO truly shines. On their Indiegogo page, the developers actually listed games that they tested. And while it will ultimately depend on how well each game has been individually optimized by its developers, the results were very promising: Skyrim, Resident Evil 3, and Devil May Cry 5 all performed at 60 FPS. Rise of the Tomb Raider, FIFA 21, and The Witcher 3 all performed at around 40 to 50 FPS. Games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla performed at around 30 FPS. When compared to the Nintendo Switch, this is quite an accomplishment. While the Switch can technically perform at 30 FPS, it doesn’t happen as often as many fans would like.
In handheld mode, these frame rates are fantastic and would produce clear and smooth gameplay. And with the specs the console has, load times are also quick, another thing that could be improved upon for the Switch. Owners of an AYA NEO console should have no problem playing their favorite games, provided the games are properly optimized for PC. As of right now, the AYA NEO is sold out. The consoles purchased during the crowdfunding campaign are being shipped out this month, which hopefully means that more will be available soon.
Source: Indiegogo/AYA NEO