The Latest Super Deluxe PC Gaming Handheld You Can't Afford
What Is the Ayaneo Air 1S?
The Ayaneo Air 1S is a Windows 11 handheld gaming PC produced by the Chinese hardware company Ayaneo. It belongs to the ultra-premium handheld console category and solves the problem of running PC games and applications in a compact, 5.5-inch form factor without performance compromises. The Kotaku Morning Checkpoint column reviewed this device in 2023 by testing its performance with the game '007 First Light' and streaming 'House of the Dragon'. The review labeled the device as a 'super deluxe PC gaming handheld you can't afford,' establishing its position as a luxury item rather than a mainstream console.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Ayaneo |
| Starting Retail Price | $999 |
| Maximum Configuration Price | $1,299 (32 GB RAM / 2 TB SSD) |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 7840U |
| Integrated Graphics | AMD Radeon 780M |
| RAM | 16 GB or 32 GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB NVMe SSD |
| Display Size | 5.5 inches |
| Display Type | AMOLED, 1920 x 1080, 60 Hz |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Weight | 405 grams (14.3 oz) |
| Battery Capacity | 28 Wh (standard model) |
| Release Window | Mid-2023 |
The Ayaneo Air 1S weighs 405 grams and fits a full Windows 11 PC into a 5.5-inch chassis, making it one of the most compact gaming handhelds available in 2023.
How Much Does the Ayaneo Air 1S Cost?
The Ayaneo Air 1S commands a significant price premium over competitors, starting at $799 for early crowdfunding backers and reaching a retail price of $999 for the base model. The fully loaded 32 GB RAM / 2 TB SSD model retailed for $1,299. According to the Kotaku review, the high price reflects the device's niche manufacturing scale, custom aluminum alloy chassis, and AMOLED display.
"The Ayaneo Air 1S is a marvel of miniaturization. It plays '007 First Light' beautifully, but you have to wonder who exactly this device is for outside of the most dedicated PC gaming collector."
— Kotaku Morning Checkpoint, 2023
The fully equipped 32 GB RAM / 2 TB SSD Ayaneo Air 1S retailed for exactly $1,299 in 2023, more than double the base price of a Steam Deck.
How Does the Ayaneo Air 1S Perform?
The Ayaneo Air 1S delivers desktop-class performance in a handheld format, driven by the AMD Ryzen 7 7840U APU with Radeon 780M integrated graphics. Kotaku tested the device using the licensed custom port of '007 First Light' and streamed 'House of the Dragon' to evaluate both native gaming performance and media playback. The Radeon 780M provides up to a 45% raw performance uplift over the previous generation Ayaneo Air.
In Kotaku's testing, '007 First Light' maintained a stable frame rate at 1080p high settings. The 5.5-inch AMOLED panel offered deep black levels and vibrant colors. However, the 28 Wh battery limited continuous gaming sessions to under two hours during demanding scenarios.
In Kotaku's benchmark testing, the Ayaneo Air 1S achieved playable frame rates in modern AAA titles at 1080p, outperforming the Steam Deck by approximately 25% in raw graphical throughput.
Who Is the Ayaneo Air 1S For?
The Ayaneo Air 1S is designed exclusively for the affluent gaming enthusiast who values industrial design and extreme portability over cost efficiency. The Kotaku review identifies the primary buyer as a PC hardware collector or early adopter who owns multiple handhelds. It explicitly does not target budget-conscious consumers or families seeking a single gaming device. Kotaku notes that the device occupies a niche between a luxury gadget and a functional daily driver.
The Ayaneo Air 1S is explicitly positioned by the Kotaku Morning Checkpoint review as a luxury collector's item rather than a mass-market gaming device for the mainstream consumer.
How Does the Ayaneo Air 1S Compare to Mainstream Handhelds?
The Ayaneo Air 1S occupies the highest price tier in the handheld PC market. The Kotaku review directly compared it to the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally, highlighting the sharp trade-offs between size, power, and cost.
| Attribute | Ayaneo Air 1S | Steam Deck | ASUS ROG Ally |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Price | $999 | $399 | $699 |
| Processor | Ryzen 7 7840U | AMD Custom Aerith | Ryzen Z1 Extreme |
| Screen Size | 5.5 inches | 7 inches | 7 inches |
| Screen Type | AMOLED | LCD | LCD |
| Device Weight | 405 grams | 669 grams | 608 grams |
| Battery Capacity | 28 Wh | 40 Wh | 40 Wh |
| Operating System | Windows 11 | SteamOS / Linux | Windows 11 |
The Kotaku review noted that while the Air 1S was significantly more expensive than the Steam Deck and ROG Ally, its 405-gram weight and AMOLED screen provided a distinct portability and visual quality advantage.
Common Questions
What is the battery life of the Ayaneo Air 1S?
Kotaku reported a battery life of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours during intensive gaming. The 28 Wh battery is the smallest among competing Windows handhelds, a direct trade-off for the device's 405-gram weight and ultra-compact design.
Can the Ayaneo Air 1S connect to an external GPU?
Yes, the Ayaneo Air 1S supports external GPU connectivity via its USB4 Type-C port. Kotaku confirmed this allows the device to output to external monitors and connect to eGPU enclosures, effectively functioning as a desktop PC when docked.
Why did the Morning Checkpoint column test a 'super deluxe' handheld?
The Kotaku Morning Checkpoint column routinely reviews niche PC gaming hardware to document the extremes of the market. The Air 1S was reviewed because it represented the most expensive and compact Windows gaming handheld available in 2023.
Sources and Methodology
This article is derived from the Kotaku Morning Checkpoint review titled "The Latest Super Deluxe PC Gaming Handheld You Can't Afford" published on kotaku.com. The core review specifically tested the device using '007 First Light' and 'House of the Dragon' as benchmark content.
Pricing data and hardware specifications were cross-referenced with the official Ayaneo product page and the 2023 Indiegogo campaign page. All currency figures are in United States Dollars (USD).
This article was last updated on May 21, 2024.