Ayaneo Flip DS & KB Production Halted: Limited Units Available, No More to Come

At the beginning of last year, Ayaneo kicked off a crowdfunding campaign for its innovative clamshell handhelds powered by AMD Ryzen, the Ayaneo Flip series—namely the Flip DS and Flip KB. In just a month, we shared our initial thoughts on the Flip DS, but it’s disheartening to announce that production has been unexpectedly halted.

The journey began on a high note, with positive early impressions and enhancements to the device’s specifications. Initially, the internals were upgraded from the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme-equivalent AMD Ryzen 7 7840U to the more robust Ryzen 7 8840U. Then, on the 25th of February this year, Ayaneo dropped a bombshell: the Flip handhelds were no longer in production. Backers were given until March 27 to either request full refunds or opt to swap for another Ayaneo model, as long as they were willing to cover any price differences.

This news is undoubtedly a letdown for backers and fans who were eagerly waiting for these devices post-crowdfunding. It’s even more frustrating when considering that many outlets, having received units for review, shared glowing feedback. While a few backers managed to snag their handhelds, the disappointing truth is that Ayaneo was unable to meet the expectations set for their crowdfunding supporters. Ayaneo typically enjoys a solid track record with such ventures, but this serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks in crowdfunding—ultimately, it’s an investment, not a guaranteed purchase.

Despite this setback, my disappointment lingers. Earlier coverage of the Flip DS painted it as an ideal contender for anyone seeking a modern successor to the Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS.

With its dual-screen design and potent hardware capable of not only emulating the Nintendo Switch but also running demanding AAA PC games, the Ayaneo Flip DS stood out. It could multitask or offer real-time system tweaks on the second screen, distinguishing itself in a market mostly filled with options akin to the “Steam Deck or ROG Ally, but pricier or less capable,” aside from a few standout models featuring remarkable controller or display technology.

Yet, as things stand, not every promising project comes to fruition. On the plus side, this situation transforms existing Ayaneo Flip DS and Flip KB units in the possession of some YouTubers and early backers into coveted collector’s items. However, acquiring one now could demand a steep price, as they’ve become rare finds with no more set to be produced.