Image: Ayaneo
There has been a lot of competition for Valve’s Steam Deck since its release two years ago. However, while companies like Asus, MSI, and Lenovo have put their spin on the handheld gaming PC form factor, they run Windows instead of the Linux-based SteamOS. Ayaneo, a Chinese manufacturer, is now aiming to fill this gap with its latest device, the Next Lite.
Based on , the most significant differentiator for this model is that it comes with SteamOS built-in. Otherwise, it looks almost identical to the from 2022. The promotional page also states that the gadget uses a 7-inch, 800p screen (the same as the original Steam Deck) and a 47 watt-hour battery. Other hardware details haven’t been revealed, yet. More details may be revealed tomorrow, when “subscriptions open.”
Ayaneo
Running SteamOS might be a highly attractive feature for prospective gamers. Integration with Steam and its store is a significant part of the console-style all-in-one experience of the Steam Deck. Despite needing to run many games through the Proton Linux compatibility layer, most AAA games perform beautifully on the relatively low-power hardware. Having that ease of use and integration on another device could be a major advantage. Valve has been developing SteamOS since 2013 when it attempted to create Linux-based “Steam Machines” competing with consoles like the Xbox and PlayStation.
Ayaneo wants to emphasize that the “Lite” part of the device’s name means it’s a “cost-effective choice” and is aimed at “lowering the entry barrier.” However, the context is important. The Ayaneo Next currently costs $1,315 from the company’s official store, and according to promotional graphics, that’s already “$966 off.” So, no matter how little the Next Lite costs, seems extremely unlikely that it will be competitive with the Steam Deck or other handhelds from major players, all of which are well below the $1,000 USD mark.
Author: Michael Crider, Staff Writer
Michael is a former graphic designer who’s been building and tweaking desktop computers for longer than he cares to admit. His interests include folk music, football, science fiction, and salsa verde, in no particular order.