Recently, there’s been quite a buzz surrounding Ayaneo’s handheld gaming devices, particularly their announcement on the Indiegogo page for Ayaneo Flip. At one point, it seemed like these devices were destined for the chopping block, leaving many enthusiasts worried. An initial post sent waves of concern, implying these cool handhelds were being axed. However, Ayaneo has come forward with a clearer picture, and it’s not as grim as it first seemed.
Here’s the scoop: while production plans for the Ayaneo Flip series hit the brakes, this decision followed the fulfillment of a whopping 98% of the crowdfunding orders. That leaves just 18 orders not making it out the door yet. For those who missed out, Ayaneo is still offering refund or trade-in options, as we’ve highlighted before.
More importantly, Ayaneo reassured fans that the Flip series isn’t going extinct. In fact, they’re set to roll out several hundred more Ayaneo Flip units within the next few months. Plus, they hinted at more to come with a possible Flip DS 2 and Flip KB 2. Given the competitive landscape of gaming handhelds, it might be wise for them to zero in on the Flip DS’s unique format, at least in my book.
For enthusiasts who held off on crowdfunding in hopes of snagging a unit at retail, this update is a breath of fresh air. Although we don’t have specifics on when the restocking will hit shelves, there’s a plan for a “limited restock.” If past demand is anything to go by, these might fly off the shelves as soon as they’re available.
It’s a hope that Ayaneo will manage to get these into the hands of real fans, not just scalpers looking to make a quick buck. The distinct designs of the Ayaneo Flip KB and DS, along with their robust performance, make them standout players in the handheld market. And with future iterations in the pipeline, it’s exciting to think where they’ll go next.
As for those 18 patient backers yet to receive their Flips, they’ve got till March 27 to opt for a refund or apply their credit towards another Ayaneo device. Ayaneo has assured us they’ve reached out to communicate with these backers directly.
Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to welcome these innovative devices back (hopefully) onto store shelves!
