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| Image: AYANEO |
The AYANEO SLIDE has been generating excitement as the first Windows gaming handheld with an RGB-backlit keyboard. With an AMD Ryzen 7 7840U APU and an array of promising features, AYANEO aims to position itself as a fierce competitor to the GPD Win 4 2023. This article delves into the technical specifications of the AYANEO SLIDE while providing critical analysis of its potential impact in the gaming handheld market.
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Display: Colour-Accurate IPS Panel
The AYANEO SLIDE boasts a 6-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1080p and a peak brightness of 400 nits. While the colour accuracy is commendable, covering 85% and 120% of the DCI-P3 and sRGB colour spaces, respectively, this specification falls short of being groundbreaking. Competitors like GPD Win 4 also feature similar display technologies with comparable colour coverage. Although the SLIDE's display is impressive for a handheld, it fails to truly differentiate itself from other devices in the market.
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Connectivity and Storage Options
AYANEO's decision to incorporate two 'full function' USB4 ports, an M.2 2280 slot for PCIe 4.0 drives, and an SD 7.0 standard MicroSD card slot is a step in the right direction. The inclusion of USB4 ensures faster data transfer rates and versatility in connecting peripherals. However, it is important to note that the USB4 technology has been available in laptops and other devices before, and its addition to the SLIDE does not bring any unique advantage.
Similarly, the M.2 2280 slot for PCIe 4.0 drives is a valuable feature that allows for high-speed storage expansion. Nevertheless, this feature is already offered in several gaming laptops and even in some gaming smartphones. As for the SD 7.0 MicroSD card slot, while it is a welcome addition, it does not necessarily set the AYANEO SLIDE apart from its competitors, as MicroSD card slots are commonplace in portable devices.
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RGB-Backlit Keyboard
One of the key selling points of the AYANEO SLIDE is its claim to be the first Windows gaming handheld with an RGB-backlit keyboard. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that RGB-backlit keyboards have long been a standard feature in gaming laptops and even some gaming smartphones. The novelty of this feature has significantly diminished over the years due to widespread adoption, and it can hardly be considered a differentiating factor in the current gaming handheld market.
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Gaming Performance: APU and Other Components
AYANEO's decision to equip the SLIDE with an AMD Ryzen 7 7840U APU seems promising on paper, especially with Zen 4 and RDNA 3 architecture. However, as the APU is also featured in the GPD Win 4 2023, it does not give the SLIDE a competitive edge in terms of raw processing power. Gamers looking for top-of-the-line performance might be better off with a dedicated gaming laptop or desktop that provides more powerful CPUs and GPUs.
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Additional Features: Joysticks and Triggers
The inclusion of hall effect joysticks, triggers, an x-axis linear motor, and a six-axis gyroscope in the AYANEO SLIDE is a thoughtful touch for enhancing the gaming experience. These features are common in gaming handhelds and have proven to be beneficial in providing precise controls during gameplay. However, their presence is not exclusive to the SLIDE, limiting the device's uniqueness in the crowded gaming handheld market.
Conclusion
The AYANEO SLIDE promises to be a solid gaming handheld, but its claim to fame as the first Windows gaming handheld with an RGB-backlit keyboard falls flat due to the widespread adoption of this feature in gaming laptops and other devices. While the SLIDE offers some commendable features such as a colour-accurate IPS display and a variety of connectivity options, these aspects are not groundbreaking or exclusive to the device.
In terms of gaming performance, the APU selection and other components mirror those of its competitors, offering little to differentiate the SLIDE in terms of raw power. Consequently, gamers who prioritize performance might find better options in dedicated gaming laptops or desktops.
Overall, while the AYANEO SLIDE is a step in the right direction for portable gaming, it lacks the distinctiveness needed to make a significant impact in the highly competitive gaming handheld market. As AYANEO prepares for a surprise pre-order campaign and official launch event, it remains to be seen how the SLIDE will fare against its competitors and whether it will manage to carve out a niche for itself in the dynamic world of gaming technology.
