Let me be honest with you… I’ve been a huge PC gamer for as long as I can remember. The mouse, the keyboard, the big screen – that was my zone, you know? But then, I started hearing about handheld gaming consoles like the Steam Deck, and then the new beast, AYANEO 3. And honestly, it made me stop and think: could I actually take my gaming on the go, and would it feel just as powerful as my desktop setup?

First Impressions? This Thing Looks Like a Powerhouse

The moment I laid eyes on the AYANEO 3, I thought, “Okay, this thing means business.” The design is sleek and modern, and it screams: “I’m not just any handheld console; I’m a portable powerhouse.” It’s a bit larger than the Nintendo Switch, but the ergonomics are surprisingly comfortable, and the screen – wow. The 7-inch Full HD display with vibrant colors and great brightness? It’s definitely a game-changer. If you’ve been used to playing on a big screen, this one will definitely impress.

I tried a few games like Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077 (yes, I was brave enough to try them), and I was honestly shocked at how well they ran. The graphics were crisp, and gameplay was smooth. But hey, let’s be real – nothing comes without its downsides, right?

Performance? Impressive, But Not Perfect

So, let’s talk performance. The AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor is no joke. It handles demanding games with ease, and during most of my testing, it didn’t even break a sweat. I was expecting a lot more lag or frame drops when running some high-end titles, but it surprised me.

But, there’s always a catch. As much as I loved the raw power of the device, I couldn’t ignore the heat issue. After extended gaming sessions, I noticed the device heating up quite a bit. And don’t even get me started on the fan noise. It’s not ridiculously loud, but when the system is pushed to its limits, the fan becomes noticeably louder. Not a dealbreaker, but definitely something to keep in mind.

Battery Life? The Real Test

Ah, the battery. This is where things get a little tricky. While the AYANEO 3 has incredible performance, the battery life isn’t exactly mind-blowing. You’re looking at around 2-3 hours of playtime on a single charge, depending on the game. If you’re someone who likes to game on long flights or during commutes, this could be a dealbreaker.

I get it; the power and performance of this thing are insane, but I personally wish it had a bit more juice to keep me going for those long sessions. Charging it up quickly does help, but, well… it’s not ideal for those spontaneous gaming moments when you’re not near an outlet.

The Operating System? Windows, Baby!

One of the coolest things about the AYANEO 3 is that it runs on Windows 11. That means you’re getting the full desktop gaming experience, including access to platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox Game Pass, and pretty much anything you want to install. For a PC gamer like me, that was a huge win.

But here’s the thing: Windows isn’t exactly designed for handhelds. The interface can sometimes feel a bit cramped, especially when navigating with your fingers instead of a mouse and keyboard. The device does have a custom UI called AYASpace, which is designed to make it more intuitive, but it’s still not perfect. It’s an improvement, but you can tell it’s not quite as smooth as it could be.

My Opinion: The AYANEO 3 Has a Niche Audience

Would I recommend it to everyone? Probably not.

If you’re into casual gaming or prefer lighter, more accessible games, the Nintendo Switch or even the Steam Deck might be better options for you. But if you’re the type of person who wants to play AAA PC games on the go without compromising too much on performance, then the AYANEO 3 is absolutely worth considering.

This handheld console is a beast, no doubt. It brings the kind of performance you usually get from a high-end gaming PC, but in a portable form. Sure, it’s got its flaws—battery life isn’t perfect, and the fan can get loud—but if you’re willing to live with those minor hiccups, you’re getting something truly special.

The Bigger Question: Is This the Future of Portable Gaming?

I honestly don’t have a definitive answer for that just yet. But the AYANEO 3 is definitely leading the charge. We’ve come a long way from the days of handheld consoles being limited to simple games. Now, we’re looking at fully capable gaming PCs in the palm of your hand. And if AYANEO keeps pushing the envelope, I wouldn’t be surprised if this becomes the norm.

But for now, I’m just enjoying the fact that I can take some of my favorite PC games with me, wherever I go.

What do you think? Are you into the idea of portable gaming PCs, or do you prefer the simplicity of something like the Switch? Let me know your thoughts – maybe you’ll change my mind on the AYANEO 3!