RAM Crisis Hits Handheld Gaming
The global shortage of DRAM has driven prices to record highs, affecting every segment of the PC market – including portable gaming devices. Manufacturers are forced to either absorb the cost or pass it on to consumers, and Ayaneo has chosen the latter.
Ayaneo Next 2 Specs and Pricing
Ayaneo’s latest handheld, the Next 2, ships with three RAM options:
- Base model: 32 GB RAM, Ryzen AI Max 385 APU, $1,999 MSRP (matches RTX 5090 pricing)
- Mid‑tier: 64 GB RAM, AI Max+ 395 APU, $2,299
- Top tier: 128 GB RAM, AI Max+ 395 APU, $2,699
All variants feature a 9‑inch OLED display, a 116 Wh battery, and a premium chassis, positioning the device as a niche, high‑end handheld.
Why 64 GB/128 GB RAM Is Overkill
Most mainstream handhelds run smoothly with 32 GB of RAM, and many even perform adequately with 16 GB. The jump to 64 GB or 128 GB provides negligible real‑world benefits for portable gaming, yet it inflates the price dramatically.
- Current PC games rarely exceed 12‑16 GB of RAM usage.
- Handheld thermal and power constraints limit sustained performance, making excess RAM unused.
- Higher RAM configurations increase BOM cost, which is reflected in the $2,299‑$2,699 price tags.
Future Outlook for Handheld RAM Configurations
If DRAM prices remain elevated, we may see a shift back toward lower‑capacity memory to keep devices affordable. Some analysts predict that new 2026 handhelds could revert to 8 GB or 16 GB RAM configurations, focusing on efficiency rather than sheer capacity.
Conclusion
The Ayaneo Next 2 showcases impressive hardware but is hampered by the ongoing RAM crisis and pricing that places it out of reach for most gamers. While the device’s OLED screen and powerful APU are commendable, the excessive RAM options and resulting cost raise questions about market viability. Until DRAM prices stabilize, handheld manufacturers will likely need to balance performance with realistic memory configurations to stay competitive.