Recently, there have been some confusing updates surrounding the Ayaneo Flip, sparking a lot of chatter in the gaming community. Initially, it seemed like Ayaneo was pulling the plug on the Flip series altogether, with a key announcement disappearing from their Indiegogo project page. Naturally, many of us assumed this meant the end for these handheld devices. However, Ayaneo has since set the record straight: the Flip KB and Flip DS are still very much in the game.
Here’s the lowdown: While they did stop production on the Ayaneo Flip series at one point, this decision came after 98% of crowdfunding orders had already been sent out. Only a small number, eighteen to be precise, were left waiting. Those orders are now eligible for refunds or a chance to trade-in, as we’d mentioned previously.
But here’s the kicker—Ayaneo hasn’t given up on the Flip series. They’re planning to roll out several hundred more units over the next three months. Ayaneo even hinted at future iterations, like the Flip DS 2 and Flip KB 2. Given what’s already out there in terms of foldable or sliding keyboard gaming devices, I personally think leaning into the Flip DS’s design could be their best bet. But hey, that’s just my take.
This news is a relief for anyone who was eyeing the Ayaneo Flip but held back from crowdfunding. A retail release looks to be on the horizon thanks to their “limited restock plan.” Details on exactly when these will hit the shelves are still under wraps, but given the buzz, I’d bet they’ll be snapped up in no time once available.
Let’s just cross our fingers that there’ll be enough units for the true fans out there and not just the opportunists hoping to flip a quick profit. These devices, especially the Ayaneo Flip DS, stand out with their unique design and strong performance specs, making them a compelling choice for gamers. It’s exciting that they’ll see daylight again before newer models eventually arrive.
Sadly for those last 18 backers, they still need to make a choice by March 27—either get a refund or trade their pledge for another Ayaneo product. The company has assured that they’re already in touch with these supporters, which is good to hear.
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