The AYANEO Flip DS emerges as a distinctive contender in the handheld gaming market, introducing a dual-screen design reminiscent of the Nintendo DS era. This innovative approach aims to enhance multitasking capabilities and offers a fresh perspective on portable gaming.
The Flip DS features a clamshell design, housing a primary 7-inch 1080p IPS touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a secondary 3.5-inch touchscreen. This configuration not only protects the screens and controls when closed but also contributes to the device's portability. Weighing approximately 650 grams, it is slightly lighter than competitors like the ASUS ROG Ally X. The inclusion of hall-effect joysticks and triggers, along with an optical finger sensor trackpad, underscores AYANEO's commitment to quality and user experience. (gamesradar.com)
Source: Yanko Design https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/06/10/windows-11-based-ayaneo-flip-1s-ds-brings-dual-screen-edge-to-challenge-the-rog-ally-x/%3Futm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=windows-11-based-ayaneo-flip-1s-ds-brings-dual-screen-edge-to-challenge-the-rog-ally-x/
Design and Build Quality
The Flip DS features a clamshell design, housing a primary 7-inch 1080p IPS touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a secondary 3.5-inch touchscreen. This configuration not only protects the screens and controls when closed but also contributes to the device's portability. Weighing approximately 650 grams, it is slightly lighter than competitors like the ASUS ROG Ally X. The inclusion of hall-effect joysticks and triggers, along with an optical finger sensor trackpad, underscores AYANEO's commitment to quality and user experience. (gamesradar.com)Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the Flip DS is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 8840U processor paired with AMD Radeon 780M graphics. It offers configurations up to 64GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 2TB of M.2 2230 PCIe 4.0 SSD storage. This hardware setup ensures robust performance, capable of handling demanding titles like "Cyberpunk 2077" and "Elden Ring" at respectable frame rates. However, it's worth noting that while the device delivers solid performance, it doesn't significantly outperform other handhelds in its class. (gamesradar.com)Dual-Screen Functionality
The secondary screen serves multiple purposes, enhancing the gaming and multitasking experience. It can display system performance metrics, act as a touchpad or keyboard, and even run separate applications concurrently with the main screen. This feature is particularly beneficial for emulating dual-screen consoles like the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, where each screen can be dedicated to different aspects of the game. However, limitations exist with certain emulators, such as those for the original Nintendo DS, which currently lack support for splitting gameplay across two windows. (retrododo.com)Battery Life and Thermal Management
One of the notable drawbacks of the Flip DS is its battery life. When set to a 28W TDP and operating in Extreme performance mode, the device lasts approximately an hour and 33 minutes. This is relatively short compared to some competitors, necessitating frequent charging during extended gaming sessions. Thermal management is adequate, with the device remaining comfortable to hold during gameplay, though the area around the secondary screen can become noticeably warm. (windowscentral.com)Software and User Experience
Running on Windows 11, the Flip DS leverages AYANEO's AYASpace 2.0 software to optimize the dual-screen experience. The secondary screen can display quick access menus for performance adjustments, system monitoring, and application shortcuts, reducing the need to interrupt gameplay. While AYASpace has seen improvements, some users have reported occasional bugs and crashes, indicating room for further refinement. (xda-developers.com)Comparison with ASUS ROG Ally X
When juxtaposed with the ASUS ROG Ally X, the Flip DS offers a unique dual-screen experience that the Ally X lacks. However, the Ally X boasts a more powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and superior battery life, making it a formidable competitor. The choice between the two ultimately depends on user preference: the Flip DS appeals to those seeking innovative features and multitasking capabilities, while the Ally X caters to users prioritizing raw performance and longer battery life. (handheldsarena.com)Conclusion
The AYANEO Flip DS stands out in the handheld gaming market with its dual-screen design and versatile functionality. It offers a fresh take on portable gaming, especially for enthusiasts of dual-screen console emulation and multitasking. However, its higher price point, limited battery life, and the current limitations of certain emulators may deter some users. As the handheld gaming landscape continues to evolve, the Flip DS represents a bold step towards innovation, albeit with some trade-offs.Source: Yanko Design https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/06/10/windows-11-based-ayaneo-flip-1s-ds-brings-dual-screen-edge-to-challenge-the-rog-ally-x/%3Futm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=windows-11-based-ayaneo-flip-1s-ds-brings-dual-screen-edge-to-challenge-the-rog-ally-x/
