In November, Ayaneo This thing is built to look like a retro Macintosh computer, but the inclusion of old AMD APUs won’t win any power awards. now, with an updated NES-inspired design and a more impressive chipset. It is also three times more expensive.
There is no way out. This is a really cute lil mini PC. The boxed NES-era form factor is a delight, and you can even order an 8BitDo SNES-style controller and Nuphy gray keyboard to complete the nostalgia trip. Most modern features, such as USB-C ports and HDMI ports, are hidden behind the front cover, although there is a small multifunction touchscreen on top. If you squint, you can almost fool yourself into thinking it’s a real NES.
And inside the AM02 is where the similarities to Nintendo’s 1980s console end. This is a legit PC that should deliver an exponentially more impressive experience than the AM01. Each unit ships with an AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS APU, which is slightly more powerful than the company’s model. In other words, it should be able to run the latest AAA games at medium settings or, in some cases, higher. The AM01 was an emulation machine that ran out of steam after the Gamecube era.
As far as specs go, you can equip the AM02 with up to 32GB of DDR5 RAM at launch, but this is user-upgradable up to 64GB. It also ships with up to 1TB of solid-state storage with up to 8TB of storage. It even has a modern cooling system, a USB-C port, a bunch of USB-A ports, an HDMI port, an ethernet port, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
There is also a mystery as to what the touchscreen will be used for. Ayaneo remains mum, calling it just a watch, though it advertises a “unique gaming experience”. At the very least, it should provide a new way to navigate menus, adjust settings, and select games. However, a controller or keyboard will likely be more efficient.
Of course, the increase in power is associated with an increase in cost. The AM02 starts at $440 for pre-orders, $500 for everyone else. It’s a barebones version with no RAM or storage, allowing people to customize the computer themselves. Otherwise, prices range from $530 to $770, depending on RAM and storage options. You can buy this thing via Indiegogo, typical of Ayaneo, and models ship in February. It doesn’t come with any accessories, but you get a discount when bundled with a controller or keyboard.
