While the Steam Deck console and its clones feature a sleek design that merges a screen with game controllers on either side, they can appear rather bulky, particularly with models boasting screens larger than 7 inches. To address this issue, manufacturers have looked back to the Nintendo DS clamshell style, which allows users to open and adjust the screen. Although this design isn’t as trendy as the Steam Deck's right now, more console creators are beginning to embrace it. Ayaneo has recently introduced its version with the new Flip KB / DS model.
Testing the Flip KB Model
We had the chance to try out the Flip KB version, which swaps out the lower screen for a mini keyboard. The clamshell design is not only stylish but also more compact than typical Steam Deck clones, even if it does have a bit more thickness. It runs on AMD’s Ryzen 7 8840U, housing eight Zen 4 cores and sixteen threads alongside the Radeon 780M integrated GPU. This console impresses with solid functionality and respectable graphics performance, all while keeping its thermal design power (TDP) capped at 30 W.
Display and Features
On the bright side, the console boasts a 7-inch IPS display with a glossy finish and an average peak brightness of 720 nits. Since the reviewed model was a pre-mass-production version, the resolution was limited to 1080p, so we couldn't test lower resolutions that could use less power. Other advantages of this model include top-notch game controllers, future-ready connectivity through USB4 and OCuLink ports, a speedy microSD card reader, and the AYASpace 2.0 control center.
Downsides to Consider
However, there are certain downsides as well. The CPU performance lags a bit behind other chips like the Z1 Extreme or the older R7 7840U that aren't restricted by a 30 W limit. Additionally, the overall power efficiency doesn't quite match the TDP limit. Under full load, the fan noise is noticeably higher than average, even though the cooling system employs a vapor chamber. Battery life is also impacted by the smaller 45 Wh capacity and the previously mentioned locked resolution.
