Looks like Ayaneo is hoping for a fresh start in 2026, as the best gaming handheld contenders just announced a new portable PC brand. While the company isn't ditching its original name entirely, it is launching a "Konkr" sub-brand that includes a Windows AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 model with an OLED screen.
In a product sharing session, Ayaneo revealed that its next punchy portable will be the Konkr Fit, a 7-inch handheld gaming PC that ditches the company's main moniker. While the company says the brand aims to deliver "high performance and great value," its specs suggest that it will likely cost more than the Steam Deck OLED.
Ayaneo is seemingly keeping full specs under wraps for now, so you'll need to wait for exact configurations and, more importantly, price points. The video does reveal some subtle portable PC perks to expect, though, like adjustable triggers and back buttons not unlike the Lenovo Legion Go S. It also looks like there's a double helping of USB-C ports on the top, which could save you from using a Steam Deck dock for TV connectivity.
Okay, here's the thing: Ayaneo will likely always be a premium handheld gaming PC maker. By that, I mean its Windows devices will probably try to avoid fighting the likes of Valve on price, which makes sense given the company's existing business model and customer base. What we could see, though, is Konkr living up to its name by conquering the $1,000 scene that's swiftly becoming a norm by undercutting the Asus, Lenovo, and MSI while providing similar specs.
That isn't to say Ayaneo won't still be fighting a war on all fronts. The boutique brand is still very active in the best retro handheld ring, with the Pocket DS set to sucker in Nintendo DS fans and smaller devices like the 4:3 Pocket S Mini eyeing up the general emulation crowd. There's even a 6-inch Konkr Pocket Fit with a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset for players for something beefier.
I should also stress that "Ayaneo" handheld gaming PCs are still a thing, as the Next II is currently rolling out. The new Konkr name is likely an attempt to help push its main identity as a diverse gaming hardware brand rather than just an expensive portable maker, especially since it now makes mini PCs and even has a Sony Xperia-inspired Pocket PLAY smartphone in the works.
I'm personally not giving up on my dream of sub $500 becoming a prominent thing, even if 2026 isn't the year for it. There's every possibility that we'll see a more direct rival to Valve's OLED lineup down the road if Konkr expands its offerings across the price board, in turn sparking some much-needed mid-range competition among other Windows-focused brands.
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Looking to play the classics? Swing by the best retro consoles for iconic remakes, plug-and-play systems, and more. If you're sticking with Valve's handheld, take a peek at the best Steam Deck accessories to enhance your current setup.
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