The Aya Neo is apparently ready for release pending tweaks (Feb 26th for the first 900 pre-orders), and a few reviewers online have already received a founder edition for testing. It’s a regular handheld gaming PC, with the most powerful specs ever seen for this kind of format so far, using an AMD Ryzen processor. Judge for yourself:
| Category | Specs |
|---|---|
| Display | 7 inch, 1280 x 800 pixel IPS LCD, 5-point multitouch |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 4500U 6-core/6-thread |
| GPU | AMD Radeon Vega 6 |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4-4266 LPDDR4X |
| Storage | 512GB WD SN550 PCIe NVMe (M.2 2280) |
| Power | 12,300 mAh, 47 Whr battery 65 W fast charging |
| USB Ports | 3 x USB-C |
| Audio | Stereo speakers & 3.5mm audio |
| Wireless | WiFi 6 & Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Cooling | Copper radiator 2 x 8mm copper heat pipes and Fan |
| Other | Built-in game controllers, gyroscope, gravity sensor |
| Dimensions | 255mm x 106mm x 20mm |
| Weight | 650 grams (~1.4 pounds) |
That thing is capable of running very recent AAA titles at 30 FPS as long as you are willing to go down in settings. On a 7 inch screen however in handheld format, such titles will look pretty good nevertheless.
It is also a beast for emulation, and it can emulate a Nintendo Switch! This is probably the first time something in the same kind of format can emulate another system so well.
Since this is like a regular PC, there should be no problem to install Linux on the Aya Neo from Day 1, so that you can use it not just for gaming but for just about anything as well.
In the indiegogo campaign supporters will be able to pre-purchase the Aya Neo for 699 USD, but the actual retail price of this handheld should be somewhat higher when it becomes widely available. In any case, it will be competing with the GPD Win 3 which is also in the same kind of format, albeit with an integrated sliding keyboard.
You can see below the full preview from ETA PRIME in video:
Even though the Smach Z seems to be pretty much dead now, it’s great to see that the idea of Handheld PC Gaming lives on with even better options year after year.
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I picked up a Razer Kishi and use it when playing cia GeForce Now / Stadia / Steam Link and mobile games. Quite honestly, I’d rather use that rather than a dedicated PC like this. With decent internet performance is better and there’s one less gadget for me to carry around.
Yeah, these kind of smartphone controllers also a really good choice if you mostly play at home. How is the Kishi by the way? As advertised?
This looks neat. I will certainly be keeping my eye on the product, might have to pick on up.
One major problem. Neither Aya Neo or Smach Z have been demonstrated running Linux. Also Aya Neo is delayed again.
I don’t see how this would be a major problem for either of them, since they would have to run a BIOS like every other x86 based hardware out there, and unless they go for a heavily locked down bootloader (which they have ZERO incentive in doing), Linux should be easy to run on them.
Never assume all PC devices are Linux friendly. Just like not all laptops can install and run Linux properly. This is very well known. There is still the factor of firmware and hardware combination in the mix.
> Just like not all laptops can install and run Linux properly.
99% of laptops will install Linux and boot it just fine. Most of the issues with laptops come with peripherals such as trackpads, hardware buttons, touch screens, microphones and wifi chipsets, but that does not mean that Linux will not boot/run on them.
This being a Ryzen-based processor, it’s almost guaranteed it will run Linux well out of the box. Anyway, you don’t have to take my word for it, just wait and see…
That 99% is way exaggerated. The real world figure is less than that, anywhere from 80% to as low as 60%. Had Linux spitting out errors during and after installation on many laptops. Experienced constant crashing also especially with Ryzen 2500U equiped laptops.
Can you let us which model that was?