In recent developments, Ayaneo made the unexpected decision to remove a post regarding their Ayaneo Flip project from its Indiegogo page. Initially, this move led many to assume that the handheld devices were being scrapped altogether. However, a fresh update has assured fans that the Ayaneo Flip KB and Flip DS aren’t facing the axe, even though the earlier message gave that impression.
For clarity, Ayaneo explained some key details. The production halt for the Ayaneo Flip series happened only after a significant milestone: 98% of their crowdfunding orders were dispatched, leaving just 18 orders unfulfilled. As such, they qualify for the refund or trade-in options we’ve talked about before.
Moreover, the discontinuation rumors are unfounded. Ayaneo is committed to producing a batch of “several hundred Ayaneo Flip units in the next three months”. They also mentioned, “the Flip series will continue”, which suggests that future models like the Flip DS 2 and Flip KB 2 might not be far off. Given the current lineup of handhelds with unique features like foldable or slidable keyboards, I feel they should focus on the Flip DS design, but that’s just my take.
The news is promising for those keen on the Ayaneo Flip but hesitant to invest in a crowdfunding venture. A retail release is anticipated through a “limited restock plan”, though exact release dates for new Ayaneo Flip units remain unconfirmed. Given the buzz surrounding this campaign, it won’t be shocking if these units sell out fast once available.
Ideally, there will be enough stock for true fans, and scalpers won’t spoil things for everyone. The Ayaneo Flip KB and particularly the Ayaneo Flip DS stand out for their innovative designs and robust performance, setting them apart from other gaming handhelds. It’s great to see them getting another shot before newer models hit the shelves.
As things stand, the 18 backers who haven’t received their units yet will need to decide to either get a refund or trade for another Ayaneo device by March 27, assuming earlier communications are still relevant. Ayaneo has assured that they have reached out to those affected.
