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 great 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. It's longer and broader than Valve's Steam Deck and about every other portable it's vying with at 12.29 x 5.22 x 0.86 inches.

With a gigantic 8.4-inch touchscreen that is bright, colorful, and, yes, feels like a big screen inside the portable environment, it 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 screen, there is now a quite poor camera, but one 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. Though luckily they are not mushy, the ABXY buttons are also 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 the conventional mechanical connections, therefore removing the potential of stick drift.

Though they are shorter and have somewhat less throw than a full-size controller, the sticks and triggers feel very smooth. Additionally making its comeback is the embedded fingerprint scanner, which lets you 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 a top-notch 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. About 50% bigger than the Lenovo Legion Go, it's almost triple that of the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally.

Along with this comes an amazing 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 created a unique cooling mechanism that maintains system usability at these 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 3.3GHz for CPUs; peak clock of 5.1GHz
• 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
• Top x1 USB4 Type-C; top x1 USB-A 3.2 Gen2; bottom x1 USB4 Type-C; audio combo jack; 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 5.1GHz, it

The system lacks a dedicated GPU, although its integrated Radeon 780M graphics are shockingly fast and let you use Fidelity FX 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.

This 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.

Though one of the things we have noticed is that the Ryzen 7 7840U has declining returns with increasing wattage and works similarly across the board; otherwise, the potential performance of the Kun is higher, particularly if you are ready to plug in and run it at a full 54-watt TDP.

That does not imply, however, that one has no cause for selecting the Kun. Given its large battery, it is truly portable at sensible TDPs. While previous versions would run for about an hour at 20-30 watts, the Kun lasts three to four. 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. Starting cost is just $130 off, 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 get a larger screen, trackpads, extra buttons, and more.

Though pricey, the Kun is more in line with its predecessor than most would have anticipated.

Though stunning at 500 nits of peak brightness and providing exceptional color coverage (130% sRGB and 90% DCI-P3), the panel is still only 60Hz and lacks variable refresh rate capabilities.

Higher refresh rates (120Hz and 144Hz) 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.

At offset this, AyaSpace lets you lock in-game frame rates at 30, 40, or 60 fps; however, it's a middle ground and far from as excellent as actual VRR and LFC. Do not write off this show, however; it still looks amazing.

The great 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 to run many of.

The Ryzen 7 7840U just lacks the horsepower to provide the type of speeds you would need to play more than 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 more hazy 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 are playing a PC game that does not support rumble, there is also an extra system that synchronizes its HD vibration motors to 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. Raising the kickstand displays the port. Additionally, covering a port for a possible 4G module addition is a sticker.

Ayaneo Kun: Programmable software

Running Windows 11, the Kun utilizes AyaSpace 2 for all of its configurable features. While navigating Windows with any portable calls for some patience, the Kun provides the finest experience I have so far.

The trackpads help to make mouse movement more natural and intuitive. If your taste is for precisely like former models, the screen is also touch sensitive and may be used just as such.

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. Though it is too tiny to do more than scroll and touch, it theoretically permits three and four-finger motions. 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.

On gaming portable devices, having tried both physical keyboards and this type of touch input, the Touch Keyboard is absolutely the finest choice. It may be converted to a conventional keyboard layout for when you require function keys or key combinations. It is simple to touch and use or swipe to spell. Obviously not for gaming, but it works well for regular online surfing and email writing.

Ayaneo has also included other system quick cuts. 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. Except for the D-pad shortcuts, every one of them is customizable to fit your preferred system usage.

Like any PC handheld, there are many choices to control system operation. The AyaSpace button on a fast menu allows one to access AyaSpace 2. Set your TDP, frame rate limit, and fan settings; check on performance statistics; activate the performance overlay; and more inside here.

Holding the AyaSpace button brings the complete version of the program with many more choices. Over the years, Aya has done a fantastic job at simplifying AyaSpace to the point where I feel it to be a very polished and remarkable work 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 their sensitivity changed.

Even an option 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 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

Though the Ayaneo Kun packs top-notch specifications and provides outstanding performance, you could be let down if you are hoping for a significant frame-per-second increase. The Kun gains most from its adaptability for everything from gaming to totally replacing a desktop.

Great frame rates are produced by it; however, since it runs the same CPU as the Ayaneo 2S, GPD Win 4 (2023), and spec-wise, the ASUS ROG Ally, you cannot anticipate miracles.

Its great 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 to a degree. Using a 35-watt TDP instead of a full 54-watt TDP is cruelly modest, and for pure gaming, it doesn’t make much sense.

We run computers and mobile gaming PCs through the same set of tests while benchmarking them. 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 offers a consistent measure for comparison across devices.

Should DLSS or FSR be choices, they are switched on to the Balanced setting. Those original findings are included as the ROG Ally was first tested at 1080p and was not available for repeat testing prior to this review.

	Ayaneo Kun (800p)	Ayaneo Air (720p)	GPD WIN 4 (720p)
Unigine Heaven 4.0	50	46	50
Hitman 3	91	86	80
Total War: Warhammer III	32	26	30
Cyberpunk 2077	24	16	18
Forza Horizon 5	41	30	32

	Ayaneo Kun (1200p)	ASUS ROG Ally (1080p)	Ayaneo AIR Plus (1080p)	GPD WIN 4 (1080p)
Unigine Heaven 4.0	29	17	28	31
Hitman 3	58	37	53	51
Total War: Warhammer III	18	20	21	18
Cyberpunk 2077	15	28	9	12
Forza Horizon 5	36	44	26	27

Here is first a comparison between the Ayaneo Kun and some of the other recently tested portable devices. These tests were run at a 35-watt TDP, where the ROG Ally could max with custom settings. Though at a much lower 32-watt TDP, having tried the Ayaneo 2S for other publications, I can boldly declare that it performs within a few fps of the Kun and Ally in almost every circumstance.

Though the ROG Ally edges ahead in Cyberpunk 2077 and Forza Horizon 5, the results are quite close at 1080p. Though all four systems provide comparable levels of performance, the Air Plus theoretically wins in a CPU-heavy game like Total War: Valhalla III. Comparatively to previous generations' Air Plus and GPD WIN 4, the Kun draws significant leads at 800p when the Ally disappears from our charts.

Naturally, these systems are mostly about striking the ideal balance between visuals, frame rate, and battery life; therefore, I tested several additional under changed conditions.

These findings closely match those I obtained using the same CPU and integrated graphics chip of the Ayaneo 2S. Though there are not any significant jumps here, this clearly shows that the Kun is able to provide amazing visuals at playable frame rates even on upcoming games like Alan Wake 2.

Given its 54-watt TDP was one of its strongest selling features, I wanted to know what type of enhancements it would provide. Next to nothing is the response. As you can see, the Radeon 780M strikes a barrier that pure watts cannot surpass across 800p, 1200p, and 1600p.

Only two FPS, which is invisible in real-world gaming, was the largest change in these games. 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 test.

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 is 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 been able to replace a PC, but they were always hindered with these more taxing chores. 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. Over many Cinebench trials in which the system operated under strain for more than an hour, it ran at full speed. The crowd battled to keep up, but stay up they did; it was deafening. Given its thinness and the amount of heat that full power produces, that is amazing.

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

Actually, playing games on its bigger screen is more enjoyable. Though exactly like the ROG Ally, it seems like Ayaneo intended this to be used on a lap or lying on a desk; the additional weight makes it more difficult to hold up for periods of time. When done in this manner, it balances almost exactly, and the grips are rather nice and provide security.

The touch pads transform games. Although theoretically you could use them to manipulate a mouse in-game, I would not advise them for that any more than using a touchpad on a laptop for gaming. Rather, they complete the experience of carrying around Windows on a portable.

It seems natural and intuitive in a level only the Lenovo Legion Go approaches when the joysticks, touchpad, and face buttons are used in concert for mouse control; the Kun still feels more “total.”

The touchpads alter games

The back buttons are also really excellent. Though they match many of the top Xbox controllers and perform just as you would expect, they additionally let you map trigger pulls—something not normally achievable. You need not just engage in competitive games to get benefits either.

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

Also a good addition is a kickstand. Thanks to its larger screen, it's been a major absent element on previous versions and is much more appreciated today. 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 like the most portable of any 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 stretched it another hour with a 15-watt TDP. Less demanding games let you stretch it even farther. I felt fine leaving the home without a charger, knowing this is the first handheld of its kind. That's very significant.

Conclusion

The Ayaneo Kun seen as a whole could well be the greatest Windows portable available right now, but depending on how much you value its larger battery, screen, and dual touchpads and how much you are comfortable paying, it may or may not make sense for you.

Its frame rates aren't significantly better to warrant spending so much more for, given handhelds like the ROG Ally and Legion Go on the market for hundreds 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.

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