AYANEO Air 1S Review: A Powerful Windows Handheld Gaming PC

Overview

The AYANEO Air 1S is a compact Windows handheld gaming PC that combines powerful AMD hardware with a stunning OLED display. It is designed for gamers who want to play AAA titles, indie games, and emulated classics on the go. With its lightweight build and premium features like Hall effect joysticks and triggers, it offers a comfortable and immersive gaming experience.

Key Specs Highlights

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 7840U or 8840U (8 cores, 16 threads, up to 5.1 GHz)
• Graphics: AMD Radeon 780M (2.7 GHz)
• Display: 5.5-inch OLED, 1920x1080, 60Hz, 404 PPI, touchscreen
• Memory: 16GB or 32GB LPDDR5X
• Storage: Replaceable M.2 2280 SSD (512GB/1TB/2TB/4TB) + MicroSD slot
• Battery: 7350 mAh or 10050 mAh (two models)
• Weight: 405g or 450g (depending on battery)
• Connectivity: WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C (OTG and video output), 3.5mm headphone jack
• Features: Hall effect joysticks and triggers, gyroscope, fingerprint sensor, dual stereo speakers

Who It Is For

The Air 1S is ideal for enthusiasts who want a high-performance Windows handheld for gaming and productivity. It suits those who prefer a smaller form factor (5.5-inch screen) and are willing to trade some battery life for portability. It also appeals to emulation fans, as it can handle up to PS2, GameCube, Wii, and 3DS games smoothly.

Buying Notes

Prices range from $799 to $1259 at launch, with higher configurations costing up to $2000. The device comes in three colors: Aurora White, Midnight Black, and Retro. Note that the battery capacity varies by model (7350 mAh vs 10050 mAh), affecting weight and thickness. Ensure you choose the variant that best fits your usage needs. The Air 1S runs Windows, so you have access to the full PC game library, but be prepared for some setup and driver management.