Ayaneo Air Review - Jody Games

Table of Contents

Air Apparent

Ayaneo Air | It’s a great time to be a computer gamer, but not only due to the fact that most powerful gaming card are less expensive than they’ve been since the day they were released. Gaming PCs with handhelds have finally become a reality which makes gaming on portable PCs an easier and appealing option. We’ve had a look at Steam Deck and Ayaneo Next however, while they both have impressive gaming capabilities however, they’re heavy and could be difficult to carry than Nintendo’s compact Switch handheld.
The situation is different as you get The Ayaneo Air, that’s focused on portability. Its design is just one notch bigger over its predecessor the Nintendo Switch Lite, it’s capable of fitting into a bag easily and keep you gaming everywhere you be. It’s priced at $499, and is also the most affordable Ayaneo currently available. We received the standard Ayaneo Air and higher-powered Air Pro even though their size is small, they can hamper the performance of these models, they’re worth taking a glance.Ayaneo Air – Photos

Ayaneo Air – Design and Features

The Air is a departure from the boxy shape of initial Ayaneo as well as its predecessor, the “Switch to Steroids” that was the Ayaneo Next The Air is a lot more refined. Its design is focused on being light and thin and soft contours rather than rigid angles, and a design that draws an ounce of design inspiration to The Switch Lite.

It’s a gaming computer that you can put within your purse, which isn’t something you’re able to say about many of its rivals. With its tiny size, it has amazing specifications.

Display: 5.5-inch AMOLED touchscreen
Resolution: 1920×1080
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5560U (6C/12T) to Ryzen 7 5825U (8C/12T)
Memory 8GB to 32GB DDR4X-466
Storage 128GB – 2TB NVMe (expandable via MicroSD)
Battery 28-38 Whr . 60W.
Connectivity WLAN 6, Bluetooth 5.2
I/O 2 USB Type-C (top and bottom) and audio combo Jack
Security: Fingerprint Scanner
Dimensions (LxWxD): 8.8″ x 3.5″ x 0.7″ inches (Air), 8.8″ x 3.5″ x 0.9″ inches (Air Pro)
Weight: 398g (Air), 450g (Air Pro)

The Air is offered in three different variants that increase in cost and performance. The entry-level Air Lite features the most basic configuration, with the Ryzen 55560 processor (6 threads/12 cores) and 8GB of DDR4 memory and 128GB of built-in NVMe storage at $499. The Standard version bumps the memory to 16GB and provides more storage options built-in up to 512GB at $599. Moving it towards the Pro model offers you more options, which include 32GB of memory and 2TB of speedy SSD storage along with 10 extra Watt-hours of power on the battery that can reach 38mWh. The Pro model also gives the option of upgrading to the newer Ryzen 7 5825U processing unit to get better gaming performance and an increase up to eight cores and 16 threads. The full-specced Air Pro doesn’t come cheap However, it costs $1,249 or roughly two Steam Decks with 512GB of storage.
What’s particularly interesting with this variety of options is that even with all the features Air Pro Air Pro is virtually identical in size to Air or Air Lite. The sole difference lies in the fact that it is Pro is 3.6mm larger to house its faster CPU. Compare this with it’s rival, the Ayaneo Next, which dwarfs the Air Pro, despite having smaller hardware, and being a couple of months older. The small size of the Ayaneo Next has number of trade-offs I’ll go over them in the near future.
However, being small isn’t the only thing that the Air is able to offer. It also has an update, shrinking down to 5.5 inches to accommodate the new style and increasing the resolution to 1080p as opposed to the Next’s resolution of 800p. Aya has upgraded the screen from the standard IPS screen to a gorgeous, vivid AMOLED display. Blacks are more intense than they’ve ever been making the screen’s vibrant colors and improved dynamic range stand out. The screen also has five-point touch so that you can touch, click and drag when playing games, as well as use it as a standard PC. If you’ve ever seen the Switch’s OLED you’re aware the beauty of this kind of screen is, and the Air does not have anything like its console equivalent.
The layout is mostly identical to last time and is great when you’re used to the gamepad, however, there are a few important modifications. It’s still equipped with all the gamepad inputs that are traditional, and also the shortcut buttons that are below the left joystick, which will display the desktop and open an application for setting up. There are two adjustable shoulder buttons along with the bumpers, which can be used to remember the commands to hold and tap. By default, they are programmed to display the keyboard on screen, opening it into Windows Task Manager, pressing Escape or activating Task View to quickly change applications. Aya is also bringing back speed gestures that add 4 commands on the keyboard, for tasks such as taking screenshots.
The additional inputs may seem too much however being able to navigate Windows with no mouse or keyboard isn’t an easy task. The keyboard shortcuts as well as the touchscreen are essential to enable you to use the Air as a real PC feasible. You can operate a mouse using the joysticks, and type with the keyboard on screen and all the basic functions are available. However, If you are planning to utilize it for any sort of work or replace your laptop, you must certainly invest in a dock as well as full-size peripherals. Typing on a touchscreen is extremely slow.

The other major addition is that each variant from the Ayaneo Air now includes a MicroSD card slot to allow for expansion of storage. This feature was previously reserved only for the dock that was included on earlier models. It’s an overdue, but welcomed upgrade to the Air range. I set up the microSD with 512GB to increase memory by $60. I had no problems installing or playing games after the format was completed. There were some noticeable differences in load times however they were they were all less than five seconds from being able to use the inbuilt SSD.
Aya hasn’t cut corners when it comes to traditional inputs, also. The joysticks as well as the triggers utilize the company’s new Hall Effect sensors, which utilize magnetism instead of mechanical dials to monitor the inputs. The inputs are a joy to operate — smooth and smooth. And as a bonus the fact that they have a limited mechanical contact eliminates the usual causes of drifting joysticks impossible. The movement on both of them is excellent, however the triggers are particularly impressive. They provide a remarkable range of motion considering the console’s dimensions and are extremely smooth.
The other face buttons are membrane switches similar to other controllers, however they’re well-constructed and tactile. The D-Pad in particular is exceptional in its clarity and precision. I would have liked split-directional inputs, however I did not have issues with missing inputs or the smudges.
There’s an adjustment curve if you’re not used to playing with a device this big. The sticks offer a decent amount of travel, however it’s not as big as a gaming controller. The Air could greatly benefit from gyro-controlled functions and it does have them however, in this review, they’re not working on their own in Steam.
In the back of the computer, you’ll find your grips, as well as a massive vent that lets the heat of your computer. The air gets very hot in normal use, so if your restrict it, your then performance couldsuffer. Fortunately, the high temperatures remain mostly at the center of the device and don’t get transferred into the grips as often. This means that air is more comfortable or both the Steam Deck and Ayaneo Next, even with its warmer back.
When I first opened them I was worried they could seem toocompact however Aya has perfected the ergonomics. The buttons and sticks are placed in a well-designed way and the grips are well-shaped for the dimensions. The way you hold it is to naturally line your fingers with the controls and triggers. For those with larger hands, you may consider it too small, however it fits my hand as it was a glove.
If you’re playing games with it, it’s like it’s natural, in the same way that the Switch Lite does. While lying in bed or sitting on the sofa I never felt like changing places to allow my arms to rest. There is some sacrifice in performance in order to attain this tiny size, but it’s useful in many different circumstances.
The speakers however aren’t the best. The audio is thin and weak and isn’t too high. It’s a good option in the event of a need but you’ll want to plug in a pair of headphones or earbuds to any video gaming or gaming you’re planning to do.
Like many devices, connectivity isn’t Air’s forte. It comes with only a USB Type-C connector at the top and the bottom, which can be used to charge by using its 65W PD adapter. Aya has a pair USB Type C to Type A adapters that can be used to connect peripherals at a moment’s notice however I discovered Bluetooth 5.2 is more suitable for connecting to a keyboard and mouse. If you want to connect wirelessly it is recommended to use the Ayaneo Air can support WiFi 6E, which is the most efficient wireless connections that are currently available. Although it does not have an Ethernet adapter it Air is capable of providing always fast connections for downloads and streaming.
Aya will also release an array of accessories that will accompany the launch. It’s joined with TomToc with a zippered carrying case that’s pretty beautiful. It has a stitched outer over its semi-hardback, protective shell. Inside the Air is wrapped in an incredibly soft, smooth fabric to protect it from scratches. At just $30, it’s an excellent purchase to safeguard your substantial purchase into the device. The GaN charger is also included with extra outputs to power multiple devices, as well as a customized model for Nuphy Air75. Nuphy Air75, which is one of the most low-profile keyboards on the market today. (I had the privilege of being able to test the case in this review, but I own an Air75 that I own and am able to confirm its reliability via Bluetooth.)

Ayaneo Air – Software

The Air is customizable using the Aya Space application. It is pre-installed and set up to allow you to use the device straight away However, you’ll have to take some time to understand the insides and outsides. If you’re gaming on your own you can use it as your primary launcher, and not have to worry about using programs that are designed for keyboards and mice. It’s not as refined as SteamOS but it will give users access to all your games and settings, and is noticeable improvement from just only a few months ago, when we tried it on Ayaneo Next. Ayaneo Next. Aya Space runs smoother than ever before, detects games much more quickly and provides more customizable options for mapping controlshuge leaps in just the last few months of development.
Aya Space can be used in two different ways: the full-featured launcher or pop-up panels to make rapid adjustments to settings. The settings panel is opened at any time by pressing at the Aya button. You can alter your console’s TDP and fan settings and change the brightness, resolution and volume, and also access an array of customisable short commands that can be used for things like turning on FSR and activating the on-screen keyboard and backing off menus using the Escape button.
By pressing on the Aya button, you’ll be able to open the entire software suite. In on the Home and Games tabs, you can launch one-tap any game or application that are installed in your computer. The Assistant tab lets users to personalize shortcut buttons and also calibrate the controls. Overall, it’s very good however there’s a bit of quirkiness that indicates there’s space for improvement.
As an example, Aya has developed a new Master Controller module that provides advanced control over console’s inputs. You can alter dead zones as well as trigger sensitivities, feedback via haptic, as well as Gyro controls. All this is done using an immersive 360-degree 3D model the console. This is all hidden through a menu that you can access by tapping an arrow. What’s the issue? The arrow isn’t working consistently. To open the arrow using the Ayaneo Pro review unit, I first have to swipe left to open the notification panel, and after thattap to activate the option. For my Standard Review unit it worked using an ordinary tap. This Master Controller module does not let you customize any of the Air’s other inputs this is a strange choice considering how comprehensive it is for other controls. This feature is available within the separate configuration menu.
Despite its flaws, Aya Space gets the job completed. Once it’s set up it’s unlikely to need to go through any of the screens for customization which means any issue caused due to its development status is low. Instead, you’ll be spending the majority of your time using the launcher as well as the pop-up menu to modify TDP as well as the pop-up panel to change TDP. Both work great.

Ayaneo Air – Performance

Customization and portability aren’t worth anything if the machine you’ve carried around and adapted according to your needs fails to offer reasonable frame rates when it comes time to attempt to play on it. In addition, considering that even the most affordable Ayaneo Air costs as much as an PlayStation 5 and $100 more than the cheapest Steam Deck, it’s reasonable to set high standards.
Anyone who has played with an Steam Deck or other handheld gaming PCs already is aware, describing performance expectations can be a challenge. There are a variety of ways to alter the performance and visual quality that have to be balanced against battery life. For the official tests, I chose the highest setting TDP for both models (12 watts) However, both models can be adjusted manually to boost frame rates, but without sacrificing battery life (15 Watts in Air and 18 watts for the Air as well as 18 watts on the Air Pro which is equivalent with that of the Ayaneo Next). It is best to think of the performance in an inclination scale, with our results just one notch lower than the maximum battery capacity.
Because the Air comes with a 1080p display which is the same as most handhelds that utilize 720p or 800p resolution so we’ll show the results at lower resolutions. Keep in mind that our test procedures employ max settings for quick comparisons. However, in real-world scenarios, you’ll likely play on low to medium settings and will be able to achieve more FPS.
In terms of horsepower both Ayaneo Air models are lagging behind Ayaneo Next and Steam Deck. This shouldn’t be a surprise due to their tiny size. restricts the performance of the CPU. Expectations for performance on devices that are this smaller are typically lower.
Let’s compare how both did in our tests at 1080p and 720p, and after that, we’ll discuss the performance with the settings you’ll be playing with.
The switch to 1080p puts both versions that make up the Ayaneo Air to their knees. Although the Ultra settings we used to make our benchmarks are higher than the actual resolution you’ll use, the settings show the performance impact you’ll encounter if you attempt to play games in native resolution. If you’re playing big games that require high-end graphics, 720p will provide the best gaming experience. If you’re playing games that have lesser demanding graphics, it might be a viable option however it’s typically older games as well as indie games.
As with all handheld gaming PCs are, it is important to take a look at what they’re built to do and are capable of. Through its marketing and campaign, Aya has really emphasized that the hardware in the Standard Air is ideal to games in the indie genre. Yes, it’s possible to play games with 30fps with low settings most times, but it’s in the smaller indie games where you’ll see its worth.
They’re correct. At 720p, I was in a position to play Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered at 30 FPS at low settings. I also managed to run Doom Eternal a bit higher however Ori or The Will of the Wisps stayed locked at 60. I wasted hours playing Rogue Legacy 2 and replaying Super Meat Boy, Hard West along with Hotline Miami. If you’re not looking to pay more on the faster chip inside Air Pro, you can use the lower-powered chip. Air Pro, you can raise the TDP up to 15 watts, and then turn on AMD’s FSR upscaling to bring more demanding games into your the reach of. It’s not easy to get those to play at more than 40 FPS but they’re certainly capable of playing – which is a achievement on a device that’s so light and thin as this.
Air Pro Air Pro is much more robust. The Air Pro we tested included it with the Ryzen 7 chip as well as 32GB of DDR4 memory, making heavier games more enjoyable. It’s not at Ultra settings Of course but dropping to medium or low and 720p resolution flips the game upside down. Doom Eternal held steady at 45-50 FPS. Red Dead Redemption 2, God of War, and Spider-Man Remastered were all playable at 30-40 FPS. I was able to crank Spider-Man into Medium settings and then lock it down to an unbeatable 30 FPS using FSR 2.0.
Full HD 1080p displays are a good choice for older games, indie games and films. The increase in resolution can have significant effects on performance. With the size of the screen, you won’t notice the same improvement as you’d see on a standard gaming monitor. For games that are at the edge, FSR can be an effective option, but 720p is usually preferred and you won’t even be able to tell the difference during actual gaming.
Due to its small size, heat can be an issue. In a review note prior to the launch, Aya recommended not pushing the TDP over 15 watts in order to avoid thermal throttling. However, when you push it to 12 watts,, the console gets quite hot. Touch the screen and you’ll be shocked by how warm it gets within 30 minutes of gameplay. I didn’t see any thermal throttling in my testing for review, however I’d be cautious about dust getting into the system, to avoid from happening in the future.
The good thing is that it doesn’t really get too loud. It’s much quieter that the Steam Deck and puts the ordinary gaming laptops to shame. At the highest settings the fans are loud and not bothersome. The only thing I’d like is to be able to Aya give the option to create the user to create a custom fan curve which allows users to manage the noise and heat in their own way However, like the other features it’s about the ability to move.
A Achilles’ heel in both versions is the battery longevity. The Standard Air has a 28-watt battery, while the Pro version increases that to 38 WHrs. In terms of real-world usage with an Balanced TDP setting the Air is expected to last around two hours, while it’s Air Pro will net you three hours.. Naturally, the battery’s lifespan is dependent on the way you use it, as well as the game you’re playing. The more intense games drain the battery quicker when playing with full volume and using the speaker. It’s so lightweight in all other ways it’s a bit disappointing take a battery charger or a bulky battery pack however it’s part of the deal for an ultra-light and thin design.
The main question in a post-Steam deck environment, is whether Ayaneo Air’s performance is worthy of spending more for. For pure performance there is no answer. Steam Deck is the best. Steam Deck holds the crown on the performance per dollar scale and won’t go down in the near future. As a day one-buyer from this Steam Deck, I’m here to let you know that There arereasons that you should select the Air over the Deck . These reasons extend beyond its smaller size.
In the beginning, compatibility isn’t an issue. If a game is compatible with Windows it will also be played in the Air. There isn’t a compatibility layer that can translate the Windows game to a Linux/SteamOS game. It’s just working. The same high-end performance also makes Ayaneo an ideal choice to make your everyday computer for all other things. A docking station that is simple to use allows it to be connected to any normal monitor or peripherals. It can completely replace a laptop , or a lower-powered computer and then be put away after you’re finished.
Similar to similar to the Ayaneo Next, the highest-performance Air isn’t cheap enough to cause your eyes to water at $1,249. If all you need is the best frame-per-second performance it can achieve, the Air Pro can achieve, the first model that comes with Ryzen 7 5825U is a good choice. Ryzen 7 5825U is only $899, and can achieve almost identical results, with 16GB of memory as well as a 128GB SSD. It is also possible to save hundreds of dollars by removing settings and making use of FSR for compatible games. You can also choose an Ryzen 5 model (though you willbe less able to play larger games).

The Purchasing Guide

The Ayaneo Air is currently available on IndieGoGo with a variety of configurations. The basic Ayaneo Air Lite costs $499, and comes with Ryzen 5 5560U with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of NVMe storage. Its Ayaneo Air standard version retails for $569-$649 and comes with 16GB of RAM as well as up to 500GB in storage.The Ayaneo Air Pro starts at $649, and increases to $1249 with its most powerful configuration. It comes with a larger 10W battery, as well as options for the more robust Ryzen 7 5825U processor, 32GB of memory in the system with up to 2TB in total memory. The prices are anticipated to rise by $100 to $150 retail.

Verdict

Do not let single-digit frame rates for ultra settings fool you. These systems are perfect for gaming on the go. Although neither system is as robust as Steam Deck or the Next Next and Steam Deck, Aya bet big on their light and thin design. It will pay off. Both are lighter, more comfortable to carry around, and feel more like playing with an actual handheld device instead of a sluggish PC. They’re an alternative to the Nintendo Switch Lites of the gaming world. They are great to play with. Contrastingly, the Steam Deck feels like a brick. However, the compromises Ayaneo Air demands won’t make sense to all users. The Air is priced as high or more than Steam Deck and you’ll see less FPS overall. It’s the Air. Air as well as the Air Pro are more quiet and are compatible with the complete Steam library and have a lot of advantages but the main element is the value you place on its tiny size. If you only want speed and speed, Steam Deck Steam Deck is the safer purchase, but for an experience on a PC handheld that is truly an actual handheld device air, the Air is an excellent combination of stunning design and simple to play.