Ayaneo Pauses Sales of 'Next 2' Windows Handheld as Memory Crunch Bites

Ayaneo has reportedly hit brakes on one of its most ambitious Windows 11-based handheld yet. The company, which announced the Next 2 Windows handheld back in late November, has temporarily paused its preorders after memory costs surged beyond sustainable levels (via Android Authority).

Ayaneo’s Next 2 handheld becomes the latest victim of rising memory cost

According to an update on its IndieGoGo page, Ayaneo confirmed that all existing orders will still be fulfilled, but new purchases are now off the table. The issue comes down to rapidly increasing DRAM and storage prices, which reportedly spiked after supplier shifts around the Chinese New Year.

The Next 2 handheld, which starts at $1,999, is already one of the most expensive Windows handhelds on the market. However, Ayaneo says it was prepared to take a small loss. Now, production costs are nearing double the original pricing, making continued sales unrealistic.

Memory crunch has become a global issue

This situation hints at an ongoing trend across the PC market. Rising memory, SSD, and internal component costs have started impacting both desktops and handhelds. Earlier today, reports came in hinting that ASUS is preparing for up to a 30% hike in PC pricing, starting first in Taiwan. If speculations are to be considered, the ongoing global memory shortage could continue until 2028 or even 2030 in a worst-case scenario.

Ayaneo calls this a temporary suspension, noting that sales could resume if prices stabilize. However, with memory shortages expected to linger for long, the road ahead looks uncertain.