In a bit of a whirlwind this past week, Ayaneo had everyone buzzing by pulling down an announcement from its Indiegogo page regarding the Ayaneo Flip. Many assumed this meant the handheld devices were being axed entirely. But Ayaneo returned with some clarity, confirming that the Ayaneo Flip KB and Flip DS aren’t going anywhere, despite the initial statements that might have suggested otherwise.
First off, while Ayaneo did halt production for the Flip series, this move came after 98% of their crowdfunding orders had already shipped, leaving just 18 out there. So, in line with earlier communications, those few still impacted will have options for refunds or trade-ins.
Furthermore, and contrary to initial worries, Ayaneo isn’t giving up on the Flip series. They’ve committed to churning out a few hundred more units in the next three months and even hinted that the Flip DS 2 and Flip KB 2 could be on the horizon. Given the market’s tilt towards foldable or slidable gaming devices, my gut says sticking with the Flip DS design could pay off, but that’s just my two cents.
For those who were on the fence about jumping into the crowdfunding realm, this is great news. Ayaneo appears to be moving forward with a retail release through a “limited restock plan.” We’re still waiting on the exact dates, but given the buzz, it’s likely that these units will sell out fast once they hit the shelves.
Let’s hope the stock holds up for the eager fans out there, without the market being overwhelmed by opportunistic scalpers. The Ayaneo Flip KB and DS are unique, thanks to their distinct design and impressive specs, making them stand out in the bustling handheld gaming arena. It’s heartening to know they’ll get another lease on life before the inevitable newer models turn up.
As for the remaining backers, those who are yet to receive their devices can opt for a refund or trade for another Ayaneo handheld until March 27, provided the previous guidelines still apply. Ayaneo assures they’ve reached out to those affected, which is a step in the right direction.