In recent days, there’s been quite a buzz around Ayaneo’s latest developments, particularly concerning their Ayaneo Flip series. Initially, a delete from the Flip Indiegogo project page left many believing the handhelds were altogether scrapped. But hold on! Ayaneo has since cleared the air, confirming that the Ayaneo Flip KB and Flip DS aren’t going anywhere, despite earlier insinuations to the contrary.
The truth is, Ayaneo did halt the production of the Flip series. However, it wasn’t quite the doom and gloom some thought. Impressively, they managed to ship 98% of the pre-ordered devices, leaving only 18 orders unfulfilled. This qualifies the project for the previously mentioned refund or trade-in options.
Now, what’s exciting is that the Flip series isn’t just surviving; it’s evolving! Ayaneo plans to roll out a new batch in the coming months, hinting at the possibility of future iterations like the Flip DS 2 and Flip KB 2. Given the current market’s shift towards foldable and slidable keyboard gaming devices, my money’s on the Flip DS being a game-changer, but that’s just me.
For those who held off on the crowdfunding route, there’s good news. Ayaneo is set for a limited retail release of these handhelds. The specifics on when exactly they’ll hit the shelves remain under wraps, but demand is expected to skyrocket, so keep those eyes peeled for announcements.
A word of caution to genuine fans: snag one while you can, because there’s always the risk of scalpers swooping in. The Ayaneo Flip KB’s distinctive design, coupled with the standout features of the Flip DS, sets them apart from other handheld options. Seeing these units back in the mix before newer models hit the scene is a win for everyone.
However, a quick note for the 18 backers still waiting on their devices: you’ll need to opt for a refund or a trade-in before March 27th, assuming previous terms still stand. Ayaneo has reached out to address these pending cases.
In the end, the Ayaneo Flip saga might have had its rocky moments, but there’s light at the end of the handheld gaming tunnel. And as we all wait for the next chapter, here’s hoping the fans get their hands on these unique gadgets without a hitch!