Ayaneo Next Lite Brings Budget SteamOS Handheld to Take on Steam Deck

The handheld PC gaming space has a new budget-friendly contender arriving soon.

Announced at CES 2024, Chinese gaming tech company Ayaneo has unveiled the NEXT LITE, a compact Windows handheld running Valve’s SteamOS 3.0.

This new device stands out as the first non-Valve handheld to ship with SteamOS preinstalled.

Scheduled to launch in early 2024, the Next Lite aims to deliver an affordable SteamOS handheld option beyond the popular Steam Deck.

But with key details still unknown, anticipation is building around the Next Lite’s full capabilities and price point.

SteamOS Handheld Alternative to the Steam Deck

Right out of the box, the Ayaneo Next Lite comes preloaded with SteamOS 3.0 – the same operating system powering the Steam Deck.

This provides a streamlined interface optimized for handheld game playing. 

Users can easily access their Steam game library and take advantage of features like Quick Access and Dynamic Cloud Sync.

For gaming on the go, having SteamOS preconfigured provides a major convenience factor.

While Valve’s handheld remains the default choice for many, the Next Lite caters to gamers seeking a budget-friendly SteamOS experience beyond the Steam Deck.

Intriguing Hardware, but What Powers the Next Lite?

Ayaneo has revealed some tantalizing hardware details about the Next Lite:

• 7-inch 800p display
• 47Wh battery
• Hall effect joysticks
• Sleek color options like seafoam green

However, the mystery CPU/GPU combo powering the handheld remains unknown. 

This makes it difficult to gauge performance and how the Next Lite might compare to rivals specs-wise.

Next Lite seems geared for AAA gaming at modest settings. 

Still, the inclusion of premium features like Hall effect joysticks suggests solid construction and quality.

Pricing and Availability Details Still Scarce

Surprisingly, Ayaneo has not shared pricing or concrete availability for the Next Lite. 

This is unusual for a device being positioned as a cheaper alternative.

Considering the $349 Steam Deck and the $1299 Ayaneo Next 2, expectations are the Next Lite will come in somewhere between $300-$600. 

Ayaneo is offering “subscriptions” for the Next Lite starting January 11th. 

This could indicate a monthly pricing model rather than a fixed upfront cost.

Can the Next Lite Disrupt the Handheld Market?

The Ayaneo Next Lite isn’t trying to oust the Steam Deck. 

Instead, it offers a cheaper way for PC gamers to take their Steam library on the go.

The preloaded SteamOS offers a seamless experience for Valve fans wanting portability. 

And the mid-range hardware still packs enough punch for enjoying AAA titles on a 7-inch display.

For players seeking long battery life for indies or retro games, the Next Lite also fits the bill.

The lack of pricing intel is a clearly strategic move by Ayaneo to build hype and intrigue. 

The company seems extremely confident in strong demand for the Next Lite.