After recent murmurs and a swirl of rumors, Ayaneo has taken down a post from their Ayaneo Flip Indiegogo campaign page. Initially, many assumed this meant their handheld devices were being axed altogether. Luckily, a subsequent update clarified that the Ayaneo Flip KB and Flip DS are still in the game, even though the original wording made it seem like they were on the chopping block.
Let’s set the record straight: while production of the Ayaneo Flip line was halted, it was only after a whopping 98% of pre-orders had been shipped out. Just 18 are left waiting in limbo. So, they’ve stuck with the refund or trade-in options that we covered earlier.
Here’s the good news for handheld gamers: Ayaneo hasn’t put a stop to the Flip series. They’ve committed to rolling out a fresh batch of “several hundred Ayaneo Flip units over the next three months.” They also hinted at potential successors in the works, possibly a Flip DS 2 or Flip KB 2. Given the current market filled with foldable and slidable keyboard gaming devices, I reckon focusing on the Flip DS design might be their best bet—but that’s just my two cents.
This update should lift the spirits of those eyeing the Ayaneo Flip without diving into the crowdfunding deep end. A retail release seems to be on the horizon, thanks to a “limited restock plan.” However, we’re still on standby for a firm release date. Considering the buzz, these units might fly off the shelves as soon as they’re available.
For the fans eagerly awaiting these devices, here’s hoping there will be enough to go around, and that scalpers don’t spoil the fun. The Ayaneo Flip KB and DS models stand out with their unique designs and robust performance, offering a refreshing alternative in the handheld gaming scene. It’s nice to know they’ll get another moment in the spotlight before any new iterations eventually make their debut.
As for the 18 unlucky souls still waiting on their units, they’ll need to decide between a refund or transferring their funds to another Ayaneo device by March 27, assuming earlier terms still hold. Ayaneo says they’ve reached out to those affected, so fingers crossed for a smooth resolution.
