AYANEO's Next Two Handhelds Will Feature The AI Max+ 395 APU - Tokyo Game Show 2025 Interview

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There were actually a couple of main reasons I wanted to come to the Tokyo Game Show in the first place. Of course, I wanted to be a part of one of the biggest events in the video game industry, but on the other hand, there were a few companies that reached out to set up appointments, and I was convinced. One of those companies was AYANEO. Admittedly, I am a fan of the company. I like how their handhelds feel, the power they push, and the creativity that they bring out. They may have tons of models that are released, and that can make it confusing, but I still love what they do. So, when I got an offer to meet with the team at the Tokyo Game Show, I took it. It gave me a chance to ask them some questions, and there were definitely a couple of things I very much wanted to find out.

While AYANEO’s CEO wasn’t able to make it out, AYANEO’s head of sales, John Nee, was there and took my questions. I appreciate him being available to answer questions and taking time away from showing off the insane amount of handhelds they had on display.

AI Max+ 395 APU Handhelds

One of the first questions I had was about the AI Max+ 395 handheld and if AYANEO had any plans to share about the handheld. While they weren’t able to give me any concrete timeline details, they did confirm that their next two handhelds will include the APU. After seeing the power for myself with the GPD WIN 5, I was very curious to see what day would be doing with that ultra-powerful check. It sounds like they definitely have some plans in the works, and paired with their creativity, I can’t wait to see what will be created.

Why AYANEO Releases So Many Handhelds

One of the other things I was very curious about, but the company has a hole, was why they released so many handhelds. I remember one time when they released six different models with the same APU in one year. As a consumer, it can be a little confusing, but I learned that there is a legitimate reason they need to do it. With the market being more competitive than it used to be, they actually need to make multiple models to hit the sales they need to continue operating. It keeps competitive in the growing handheld PC market, and as much as it can be confusing, I do understand why. With their brand pretty popular in China, the confusing nature may just be something we have to deal with. But, with them branching out to different brand names like KONKR, it seemed as though it may start to get easier.

So Where Does AYANEO's Creativity Come From?

I was also quite interested to learn about where their creativity comes from. The different styles of Android and Windows handhelds, dual screen, clamshells, modular, built-in controllers, and the tons of different shapes, sizes, and aesthetics across the board are unlike what I’ve seen in any other company. However, it all stems from the CEO: Arthur Zhang. He is a hardcore gamer and is constantly coming up with new ideas and ways to enjoy games himself, while also finding new ways to give gamers more choices. So far, I would say he’s very successful. They are designs that I never would’ve thought of, like the AYANEO 3’s modular controllers, and it makes the products stand out. 

Will Google's Side-Loading Changes Impact AYANEO's Android Lineup?

There were also two questions asked by our Patrons that I brought up to John. First, I asked about Google’s upcoming changes and whether that would impact their Android lineup. Starting next year, Google will be essentially killing sideloading apps, so I asked if this would impact AYANEO and their Android handhelds. John mentioned that there shouldn’t be any problems, but they will monitor the situation and make changes accordingly.

A patron also asked about their goals with the handhelds they create, and I believe they said it well in an earlier question. CEO Arthur Zhang is a hardcore gamer and wants to create handhelds of all shapes and sizes to appeal to and give gamers a choice on how they want to experience their games, or give them new ways to do it. It’s an admirable mission, and one I can see exuding with each model that is released. There are more ideas they have that are being cooked up now as well, but they don’t have any information to share yet.

That’s about it for our conversation! I did discuss some ideas for collaboration on future handhelds and even an office tour at their headquarters, but that’s something I will have to discuss with them at a later date. Either way, I’m extremely excited for AYANEO’s next handhelds, so much so that I would say hold off on getting an ROG Xbox Ally X to see what is being cooked up with the Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APUs.

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