Ayaneo Kun Handheld Gaming PC Performance Review

The Ayaneo Kun spots the Steam Deck. Although this generation's technology, a class-leading 54-watt TDP, and enormous 75-watt-hour battery make it among the most powerful Windows gaming handhelds available today, the visual similarity is clear with its dual trackpads and big 8.4-inch screen.

Starting at $999, it's shockingly similar to previous Ayaneo models but expensive enough that you should give serious thought to the capabilities you want from a portable gaming PC.

Ayaneo Kun—Features and Design

Ayaneo has referred to the Kun as its “big screen” portable device. Until I got it in my hands, I questioned the accuracy of the description. The device is longer and broader than Valve's Steam Deck, as well as every other portable device it competes with, measuring 12.29 x 5.22 x 0.86 inches. The dimensions of the Kun are 12.29 x 5.22 x 0.86 inches.

The gigantic 8.4-inch touchscreen, which is bright and colorful, feels like a big screen within the portable environment and makes that space useful.

Two touchpads flanking the screen now simplify navigating Windows and feel like bullets fired at the Steam Deck. On the left side of the device is now a camera that functions for automated biometric login.

Apart from the two additional shoulder buttons on the inside of the bumpers, there are four programmable rear buttons incorporated into the grips.

Like every other Ayaneo, your typical controller design replicates an Xbox gamepad. The D-pad is now a circle rather than the cross seen on previous versions; there are the typical ABXY buttons on the right, joysticks, bumpers, and triggers.

Its simpler diagonals make fighting games more enticing, but it seems softer and less quick than earlier versions. Fortunately, the ABXY buttons are not mushy; however, they are somewhat softer this time.

Other Ayaneo basics also return, such as its Hall effect joysticks and triggers. Each improves their long-term endurance by using magnetic sensors instead of conventional mechanical connections, removing the potential for stick drift.

Although the sticks and triggers are shorter and have somewhat less throw than those of a full-size controller, they feel very smooth. Additionally, the embedded fingerprint scanner is making a comeback, allowing you to wake the device from sleep and log on with one touch. Even in games devoid of motion control, there are two built-in gyroscopes for this purpose.

The Kun is meant to be top-notch and portable and has some significant under-hood improvements too. Now with a gigantic 75-watt-hour capacity, the battery is the largest of any Windows portable. The device is about 50% bigger than the Lenovo Legion Go and nearly three times larger than both the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally.

Along with the giant battery comes a wonderful 54-watt maximum TDP. That is much greater than the ~35 watts being provided by the rivals and relates to how much power is able to flow to the CPU, which manages everything from spreadsheets to in-game graphics. Ayaneo has developed a unique cooling mechanism that ensures system usability even at high wattages.

The model I was handed has these specs:

• The display is an 8.4-inch IPS touchscreen.
• Solution: 2560 x 1600.
• AMD Ryzen 7 7840U (8-core/16-thread).
• Base frequency of 3.3 GHz for CPUs; peak clock of 5.1 GHz
• GPU: Integrated AMD Ryzen 780M.
• Memory: 64GB LPDDR5-6400; not unlocked for 7500MHz.
• 4TB NVMe is the storage capacity.
• Battery: seventy-five Whr.
• WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2: connectivity
• The device features a top x1 USB4 Type-C connector, a top x1 USB-A 3.2 Gen2 connector, a bottom x1 USB4 Type-C connector, an audio combo jack, and MicroSD expansion.
• Security: Camera; Fingerprint Scanner.
• LxWxD: 12.29 x 5.22 x 0.86 inches.

The AMD Ryzen 7 7840U's CPU is the same as that of the company's Ayaneo 2S and Air 1S. Comprising eight cores and sixteen threads with a maximum peak clock speed of 5.1 GHz, it

The system lacks a dedicated GPU, although its integrated Radeon 780M graphics are shockingly fast and let you use FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) for even higher performance. On paper, it also almost exactly matches the Z1 Extreme seen in the ROG Ally.

The Ayaneo Kun is really a portable laptop.

The Ayaneo Kun is basically a laptop in portable form; hence, you may choose the memory and storage capacity required. Beginning at $999 ($1,129 if the Early Bird price is out), the least expensive model has 512GB of built-in storage and 16GB of RAM.

The capacity can be raised all the way to 4TB of storage and 64GB of RAM at a price of $1,699 early bird and $1,609 retail. If you are comfortable opening the gadget and dismantling it sufficiently to reach those components or install your own MicroSD card, you may also boost the memory and storage yourself.

Unquestionably high pricing like this provides one of the toughest challenges Ayaneo as a business must overcome. The ROG Ally Z1 Extreme and Lenovo Legion Go cost $700 and $750, respectively; the most costly Steam Deck is at $650.

We have observed that the Ryzen 7 7840U exhibits declining returns with increasing wattage and performs similarly across different scenarios; however, the potential performance of the Kun is greater, especially if you are willing to plug it in and operate it at a full 54-watt TDP.

However, this does not mean that there is no reason to choose the Kun. Given its large battery, it is truly portable at sensible TDPs. The Kun lasts three to four hours, whereas earlier models would run for roughly an hour at 20 to 30 watts. If you are laying it on your lap or on a desk—which you will most certainly do given its weight—it is also among the most comfortable handhelds to handle.

With the release of AyaSpace 2, its configuration tool, the firm has at last attained the degree of polish, elegance, and simplicity of use it clamored for in its early years. Navigating Windows is the simplest of any handheld I have tried so far.

The price is also near enough to other Ayaneos to seem like a reasonable upgrade without breaking the budget for its further capabilities. The starting cost is reduced by $130 compared to the company's previous flagship (see our ideas on the original Ayaneo 2 here, which is virtually similar in style), and for that investment, you receive a larger screen, trackpads, extra buttons, and more features.

Although it is expensive, the Kun aligns more closely with its predecessor than most. Although the panel is stunning with 500 nits of peak brightness and exceptional color coverage (130% sRGB and 90% DCI-P3), it still only operates at 60 Hz and lacks variable refresh rate capabilities.

Refresh rate capabilities

Higher refresh rates (120 Hz and 144 Hz) are provided by both the ROG Ally and Legion Go; the Ally supports VRR and low frame rate correction (LFC) for better gaming at the frame rates you are most likely to be using.

To address this, AyaSpace allows you to set in-game frame rates at 30, 40, or 60 fps; however, this option is merely a compromise and significantly less effective than true VRR and LFC. Do not dismiss this model, however; its outstanding display looks amazing.

The outstanding highlight of this model is its high-resolution screen. Its natural resolution is 2560×1660, the 16:10 equivalent of 1440p. Although they seem rather clear at this resolution, independent games and videos are not something you should expect. simply does not have enough processing power to deliver the speeds necessary for playing anything beyond

The device does not support the speeds necessary for playing anything beyond basic and emulated older games at this resolution. Games in motion still look excellent on its smaller screen; 1200p is more sensible, and 800p even more so. Menus here are hazier than in earlier models, however.

Surprisingly impressive are the speakers as well. Clear and full-bodied, they run at up to 80% of full capacity, so you can game or view movies with more fidelity than many gaming laptops. If you have an additional system, synchronize the HD vibration motors with the sound.

The Kun replaces one of the two top-mounted USB Type-C ports of the Ayaneo 2 with a full-sized USB 3.2 Gen 2, therefore providing much increased connectivity. You used to have to attach a peripheral, like a keyboard, using an adapter.

Beside a 3.5mm combo audio jack, a second USB Type-C connector is located on the bottom. Apart from conventional peripherals like docking stations, both of the USB Type-C ports are USB4 and completely compatible with external GPU enclosures.

The microSD card has been relocated and covered behind a new metal kickstand. Additionally, a sticker covers the port intended for a possible 4G module addition. intended for a possible 4G module addition.

Ayaneo Kun: Programmable software

Running Windows 11, the Kun utilizes While navigating Windows on any portable device requires some patience, the Kun offers the best experience I have had so far. It offers the best mouse movements so far.

The trackpads help make mouse movements more natural and intuitive. The screen is touch-sensitive and can be used as such if your taste is like past models.

Usually seen on a laptop, the right trackpad scrolls the mouse pointer and allows clicking and double tapping.

Pressing either side of the pad even enables left and right clicks. Although the touchpad is too small to perform more than scrolling and tapping, it theoretically allows for three- and four-finger gestures. Easily able to handle scrolling and menu navigation, the left touchpad is assigned to the arrow keys.

Clicking into a text field causes the Windows Touch Keyboard to automatically handle keyboard input.

The Touch Keyboard is absolutely the finest choice for portable gaming devices, especially after trying both physical keyboards and this type of touch input. It may be converted to a conventional keyboard layout for when you It is easy to touch, use, or swipe for spelling. While it is clearly not suitable for gaming, it functions effectively for regular online surfing and writing emails. surfing and writing emails. It effectively supports additional system shortcuts and facilitates writing emails.

Ayaneo has also included additional system shortcuts. At any moment, the left shoulder button raises the keyboard. Left and right clicks, among other controls, map the ABXY buttons. With a single press, the bottom right customizable button minimizes everything and transports you back to the desktop.

Only when the right bumper and trigger are held together will shortcuts for accessing the Task Manager, Ctrl+Alt+Delete, or capturing a screenshot connected to the D-pad be available. By tapping the AyaSpace button, you can also access a variety of additional shortcuts, including muting the volume or activating FSR. There are numerous options to manage system operation, just like with any PC handheld. your preferred system quick

There are numerous options to manage system operation, just like with any PC handheld. The button on a quick menu allows one to access AyaSpace 2. Set your TDP, frame rate limit, and fan settings; open the complete version of the program, which offers many more options; and find more inside here.

Holding the AyaSpace button opens the complete version of the program, which is a very polished and remarkable piece of software. Aya has done a fantastic job at simplifying AyaSpace to the point where I feel it is a very polished and remarkable piece of software.

Almost all of the buttons—including the joysticks and triggers—can be set and altered. One may map the back paddles and other programmable buttons. The gyroscopes may be turned on or off as well as have their sensitivity changed.

An option even lets you control the video memory capacity your CPU can use. Since it directly affects the settings you may utilize and the in-game performance, this improvement is extremely significant.

Here, Windows and AyaSpace 2 are overall simpler than they have ever been. Navigating Windows on a gadget like this will always have a learning curve, but Ayaneo has done a really wonderful job at making it as simple as feasible.

Ayaneo Kun: Acting

Despite its top-notch specifications, the adaptability of the Kun allows for a wide range of applications, from gaming to complete desktop replacement. per second. The adaptability of the Kun allows for a wide range of applications, from gaming to complete desktop replacement.

It provides excellent frame rates; however, since it has the same CPU as the Ayaneo 2S, the GPD Win 4 (2023), and, spec-wise, the ASUS ROG Ally, you cannot anticipate miracles.

Its excellent 54-watt TDP is the main selling feature. Higher TDP typically translates into improved performance in the realm of gaming handhelds.

The Kun shows us that this is just We benchmark both computers and mobile gaming PCs using the same set of tests. Gaming—it doesn’t make much sense.

We benchmark both computers and mobile gaming PCs using the same set of tests. These comprise actual gameplay testing and synthetic benchmarks.

Games are set to extreme settings with, when possible, ray tracing turned on. Even if you won't really be gaming on a mobile PC at such high settings, this change offers a consistent measure for comparison across devices.

Should DLSS or FSR be choices, they are switched on to the Balanced setting. We include those original findings because we first tested the ROG Ally at 1080p, a resolution not available for repeat testing prior to this review.

Here is first a comparison between the Ayaneo Kun and some of the other recently Although I have tested the Ayaneo 2S for other publications at a much lower 32-watt TDP, I can confidently use custom settings. Although I have tested the Ayaneo 2S for other publications at a much lower 32-watt TDP, I can confidently declare that it performs within a few fps of the Kun and Ally in almost every While all four systems offer similar performance levels, the Air Plus is expected to excel in CPU-intensive games such as Total War: Valhalla III.

ffer similar performance levels, the Air Plus is expected to excel in CPU-intensive games such as Total War: Valhalla III. Compared to the previous generation, naturally, these systems primarily focus on achieving the ideal balance between visuals, frame rate, and battery life; therefore, I tested several additional scenarios under different conditions.

balance between visuals, frame rate, and battery life; therefore, I tested several additional scenarios under dif Although there are no significant improvements in performance, this clearly demonstrates that the Kun can deliver impressive visuals at playable frame rates, even for upcoming games like Alan Wake 2.

In performance, this clearly demonstrates that the Kun can deliver impressive visuals at playable frame rates, even for upcoming The response is next to nothing.

Its 54-watt TDP was one of its strongest selling features, and I wanted to know what type of enhancements it would have. The largest change in these games was only two FPS, which is imperceptible in real-world gaming. Pure watts cannot surpass 800p, 1200p, and 1600p.

The largest change in these games was only two FPS, which is imperceptible in real-world gaming. Though it hardly extended more than five fps and still wasn't worth the much-shortened battery life, I observed larger advances in several lesser games that I didn't fully sense.

Furthermore, running the fans full bore using the device at such a high TDP approaches gaming laptop levels of loudness.

When this starts to make sense, it's if you replace a full-sized PC with a Kun. The CPU gains additional power even while the built-in GPU runs against a limit. For more demanding PC operations like video editing and rendering, the greater TDP lets it function at faster rates for longer periods of time, therefore providing a much better match.

Every Ayaneo has the ability to replace a PC, but these more taxing chores have always hindered it. It is much more like a full-fledged workstation than any other portable on the market today, as the Kun lets it operate at full capacity.

More amazing is the fact the system never thermal throttled. Given the system's thinness and the amount of heat it produces at full power, the performance during many Cinebench trials is amazing. The crowd struggled to keep up, but they managed to stay on their feet despite the deafening noise. Given the system's thinness and the amount of heat produced at full power, this performance is amazing.

Although the gaming performance of the Ryzen 7 7840U is like that of other handhelds, the Kun experience distinguishes it.

In fact, playing games on the larger screen is more enjoyable. Though When the device is used in this manner, it balances almost perfectly, and the grips are quite comfortable and provide a secure hold. Additional weight makes it more difficult to hold up for periods of time. When the device is used in this manner, it balances almost too much to do that any more than use is quite comfortable and provides a secure hold.

The touchpad transforms games. Although theoretically you could use them to manipulate a mouse in-game, I would not advise them to do that any more than use a touchpad on a laptop for gaming. Instead, these features enhance the experience of using Windows on a portable device.

It seems natural and intuitive at a level only the exceptionally well-designed app Although these back buttons match many of the top Xbox controllers and perform as expected, they also allow you to map trigger pulls—something that is not typically possible.

Buttons are also exceptionally well-designed. Although these back buttons match many of the top Xbox controllers and perform as expected, they also allow you to map trigger pulls—something that is not typically possible. You need not just engage in competitive games to get benefits either.

Playing Spider-Man: Remastered, I mapped dodge to a rear button, felt comfortable, and improved my agility and fighting ability.

Also a useful addition is a kickstand. Today, we tested the larger screen, a major factor in making it the most portable Windows handheld available. Especially while traveling, connecting a controller or putting it up on the desk to view Netflix is a terrific choice.

And the Ayaneo Kun seems to be the most portable Windows handheld available today, owing to its massive battery.

Although you won't be using it at 54 watts on battery for very long—less than an hour of gaming in my testing—at 25 watts, a TDP appropriate for new games on battery, it lasted almost three hours running hard games.

I extended the battery life by another hour while using a 15-watt thermal design power (TDP). Less demanding games let you stretch it even farther. I felt fine leaving the home without a charger, knowing that the device is the first handheld of its kind. That's very significant.

Conclusion

The Ayaneo Kun, seen as a whole, could well be the greatest portable Windows. The frame rates of the Ayaneo Kun are not significantly better than those of other handhelds, such as the ROG Ally and Legion Go, which are available for hundreds of dollars less. make sense for you.

The frame rates of the Ayaneo Kun are not significantly better than those of other handhelds, such as the ROG Ally and Legion Go, which are available for hundreds of dollars less.

It's as excellent as Windows handhelds get, at least until Ayaneo's next release, if you want a portable that won't run empty in only an hour or two and one that can replace a laptop without the typical speed constraints.