Back in November, Ayaneo was designed to look like a retro Macintosh computer, but the inclusion of an older AMD APU wasn’t going to win any performance awards. Now, there’s an improved NES-style design and an even more impressive chipset. The price is also triple.
There is no way around this problem. This is a really cute mini computer. The boxy NES-era form factor is a treat, and you can even order an 8BitDo SNES-style controller and Nuphy grayscale keyboard to go with it for a nostalgic trip. Most modern features, like the USB-C port and HDMI port, are hidden behind the front cover, although there’s a small multifunction touchscreen on top. If you squint, you can almost fool yourself that this is a real Famicom.
However, the inside of the AM02 bears similarities to Nintendo’s 1980s consoles. This is a legitimate computer, and it should offer a more impressive experience than the AM01. Each device is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS APU, which is slightly more powerful than the company’s APUs. In other words, it should be able to run most modern AAA games at medium settings (and even higher in some cases). The AM01 was more or less an emulation machine that faded away after the Gamecube era.
As for specs, the AM02 will be available with up to 32GB of DDR5 RAM at launch, but users can also upgrade to 64GB. It also comes with up to 1TB of solid-state storage and a capacity of up to 8TB. There’s even a modern cooling system, a USB-C port, a set of USB-A ports, an HDMI port, an Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
The purpose of the touch screen is also a mystery. Ayaneo remains mum, only showing it off as a clock, despite claiming a “unique gaming experience”. At the very least, it should provide a novel way to navigate menus, adjust settings, and select games. However, a controller or keyboard may be more effective.
Of course, an increase in power will also lead to an increase in cost. AM02 pre-orders start at $440, with others starting at $500. This is a crude version without any RAM or storage space, allowing people to provision their own computers. Otherwise, prices range from $530 to $770, depending on RAM and storage options. You can purchase this via Indiegogo, which is typical for Ayaneo, with the model shipping in February. It doesn’t come with any accessories, but you can get a discount when it comes bundled with a controller or keyboard.
This article was originally published on Engadget: https://www.engadget.com/ayaneos-latest-mini-pc-looks-just-like-an-old-school-nes-162551703.html?src=rss
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