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I hate to be the bearer of bad news when it comes to the best gaming handhelds, but Ayaneo's KONKR Pocket FIT 8 Elite is apparently on borrowed time. That's according to an Indiegogo update revealing that while a restock for the Android device is on the cards, production costs are seemingly set to rise significantly before it's ultimately discontinued.
That's right, RAMageddon is once again ruining fun retro handheld projects like the KONKR Pocket FIT 8 Elite (thanks, Time Extension). The new brand by Ayaneo was only unveiled in January, but component shortages sparked by AI are already derailing the portable console maker's 2026 endeavors. It's hardly struggling alone in the current wasteland, as even the Steam Deck OLED is now intermittently out of stock, not to mention other emulation device makers like Retroid and Ayn are also bracing the storm.
I can think of a crude word to describe the whole situation and the thing causing it, but instead, here's a bright note. The Pocket FIT 8 Elite hasn't been cancelled or discontinued yet, as the device has "officially started shipping." That means if you backed the Indiegogo or preordered, your handheld should be on the way. Ayaneo has also clarified that it's looking to compensate eligible backers for delayed orders, and it's apparently adopting a “produce-and-ship immediately” approach.
This isn't even the first Ayaneo handheld to fall victim to RAMageddon, as the pre-orders for the Next 2 handheld gaming PC have also been suspended. Boutique devices normally have to walk a careful line when it comes to premium price points, especially since the latest models normally find themselves superseded. Actually taking pre-orders right now for hardware is also extremely challenging due to the volatility of final MSRPs, as even established systems like the PS5 Pro are actively jumping in price.
Retroid Pocket 5 | $219 at Amazon
Anbernic RG Cube | $169.99 at Amazon
The entire situation when it comes to gaming hardware in 2026 is frankly bananas. Crowdfunded projects are less likely to come to fruition than ever; MSRPs are now a temporary thing, and extra elements like US tariffs and AI datacentres deciding they need even more components make planning for a release near impossible. That's why, despite everyone bracing to throw cash at Valve, the Steam Machine still hasn't got a solid release date or a pre-orders page, and if one of the game industry's giants can't make what isn't a terribly complex mini PC happen, fancier handheld makers have no chance.
I'll quit while I'm ahead when it comes to the RAMageddon rant and pivot instead of hopefully helpful advice. I don't think anyone should panic buy or rush into big purchases, but at the same time, I wouldn't take any current prices for granted. If you've been eyeing up a handheld, or in fact any PC or console hardware, make sure to keep a steady eye on retailer supplies and pick it up if things are looking shaky.
This might make me sound like a Doomsdayer, but I also think we might be entering a sort of scrapheap era of gaming. By that, I mean taking full advantage of second-hand, refurbished, or slightly older devices might be the best call while we weather the storm, and that might mean checking out options at eBay, making cheaper upgrades to your existing gaming PC, or even just checking out the best retro consoles instead for a while.
I am hoping Ayaneo and other smaller companies can find their footing again and make exciting new handhelds. At the moment, things look grim, but I'll be keeping tabs on all the latest gaming gadgets regardless.
Already got Valve's handheld? Swing by the best Steam Deck docks to transform your portable into a hybrid console or PC.
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