Recently, AYANEO started to show off a new handheld they are working on meant to be an entry-level device, the NEXT LITE. Not only was it touted as a cost-effective device, but it also uses a modified version of HoloISO, which is very close to SteamOS. This means the OS is Linux-based, which is a pleasure to see. Today, the device was fully announced and we have more information about the internals and what kind of power you can expect to see, and it really seems like this could be an improved version of the original Steam Deck LCD.
Probably the first thing I looked for when checking out the specs is the APU. I wanted to know if the power would match or exceed the Steam Deck, and it is hard to tell. There are going to be two models with different APUs, the AMD Ryzen 5 4500U and Ryzen 7 4800U. Each one is built on a 7nm process with a max temperature of 105c.
The 4500U has 6 cores and 6 threads and is built on the Zen 2 architecture, while the 4800U has 8 cores and 16 threads and is also built on the Zen 2 architecture. Both of these have more CPU cores than the Steam Deck, which has 4 cores and 8 threads, but the GPU may be a step backward. The 4500U uses Vega 6 integrated graphics with 6 cores, while the 4800U uses Vega 8 with 8 cores. While these should hold up okay, the Steam Deck uses an RDNA 2 architecture with 12 cores, which is more capable of handling newer games.
It will be hard to see exactly what the differences will be, but CPU-heavy games may be easier to run, while GPU-heavy games may need more compromises than on the Steam Deck.
When creating a budget handheld, price is extremely important. The Steam Deck set a precedent with its incredibly low entry cost, and now, the lowest-priced model is $399. For the AYANEO NEXT LITE, there will be three models with different prices, which differ in storage size:
While I am not sure how it will compare to the Steam Deck LCD model, the $299 price point easily beats it, which could make it an incredible entry-level handheld. Each model will also come in three colors: Pastel Blue, Bright White, and Jet Black.
The one thing that worries me here is storage size. The lowest model is 128gb, which means you will be limited in what you can install, and there is no Micro SD card slot on the device. You can open it up and expand the storage, which uses an M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 interface, but if you don’t want to open it up, you may be stuck. There are two full USB-C interfaces, 1 USB-C data interface, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, but no MicroSD card slot.
The big draw of this device, other than the price point, will be the inclusion of a non-Windows operating system. AYANEO is using a version of HoloISO that they have optimized for the NEXT LITE specifically. HoloISO is a Linux-based OS that is essentially SteamOS. It takes most of its code from Valve repos, but it isn’t officially supported in the same way.
Depending on how AYANEO is optimizing it, I will stay optimistic, but it really depends. SteamOS-like operating systems can really benefit from being more lightweight and better for handhelds in general. I am looking forward to seeing exactly what has changed from the team.
Then, we get to the battery and how the device weighs. The battery will be 47Wh, which is bigger than the Steam Deck LCD. It will weigh around 720g, which is a little heavier than the Deck, but it is overall smaller and not as thick.
On top of that, the AYANEO NEXT LITE will utilize a 7-inch IPS screen with a 1280×800 resolution. This resolution is perfect for a device like this, and while the screen isn’t as great as an OLED, it is a jump up from the LCD screen that the original Deck used.
The AYANEO NEXT LITE will have full WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 support, as well as some of AYANEO’s staple features for their handhelds. This means we can expect Hall effect joysticks, triggers, an X-axis linear vibration motor, a Six-axis gyroscope, and a customized dual copper pipe cooling system. There is also going to be Master Controller integrated, so changing around inputs and customizing is definitely going to be easier here.
Speaking of the joysticks, AYANEO has mentioned that these will be big joysticks, which is great considering their other handhelds use smaller ones that can feel a bit cramped for long play sessions.
Overall, I am both optimistic and worried about the device. I do see some clear benefits like a lower price, higher CPU core count, smaller frame, Hall Effect joysticks and triggers, and HoloISO, but there are some issues that could hold it back, like its GPU, weight, storage size, and lack of MicroSD card slot. I will be very interested to see how the device works together and what kind of power they can exert.
The device will be made available soon and will be on the AYANEO Online Store.
If you enjoyed this article, check out the rest of the content on HandheldHQ! We have a wide variety of reviews and news that are sure to help your gaming experience. Whether you’re looking for news and handheld reviews, or just want to stay up-to-date on the latest trends, we’ve got your back.
4800U should be better in general for emulation than the deck, and in few cpu heavy titles like valheim, in my experience with a laptop it’s about on par.
So it’s not terrible, but the lack of microsd is just meeehhhhh.
Yeah, the GPU in the 4800U is about 20% slower than the Steam Deck’s GPU from what I’m seeing in games.
CPU-wise it’s likely faster though, higher turbo clock speeds and more cores/threads.
MicroSD slot is a bummer though.