A growing range of portable Windows consoles is entering the market, but price remains a key hurdle for many buyers. Historically, these devices tended to sit well above the cost of established handhelds, including the Steam Deck, making affordability a major point of discussion among gamers who want PC game access on the go. Yet the landscape is shifting as more players roll out compact, Windows-powered handhelds with competitive pricing and compelling performance.
A new family of devices from Ayn, named Loki, is poised to broaden the options for enthusiasts who crave desktop-class compatibility in a compact package. The Loki Mini is positioned as the entry point in the lineup. Rumors peg its core configuration around an Intel Alder Lake processor, paired with 64 GB of built-in storage, and a price tag near $300. While the exact specifications are still being confirmed, the emphasis is clear: a more affordable path into portable PC gaming without sacrificing the essential Windows experience.
Meanwhile, the Loki line includes a more advanced variant featuring an AMD Ryzen system-on-a-chip built on Zen 3+ architecture, complemented by RDNA2 graphics. Storage choices span 64 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB, with typical street prices around $500, $600, and $700 respectively. This tier aims to balance portability with higher performance, offering feasible options for different budgets and usage scenarios.
The Loki Max model from Ayn represents the premium end of the Loki family. It is equipped with an AMD Ryzen CPU based on the Zen 3+ design and integrated RDNA2 graphics, accompanied by 512 GB of storage. The price tag sits at $800, translating to a higher performance envelope and potentially a larger display or more robust cooling compared to the base Loki configurations. Industry chatter suggests this version may bring a faster processor or a refined screen to the table, delivering a more immersive Windows gaming experience on the go.
Earlier announcements in the portable Windows space include AyaNeo’s introduction of a compact Windows handheld priced under 19,000 rubles, emphasizing that affordability remains a central goal for new devices entering this category. In related news, Zotac revealed an updated PC backpack concept designed for VR riggers, highlighting the continuing push to integrate portable, high-performance components into wearable or mobile form factors.
The market trend is clear: as processors become more energy-efficient and GPUs scale down effectively for mobile use, prices are gradually stabilizing around consumer-friendly levels. Consumers in North America are especially poised to benefit from these shifts, gaining access to Windows-based handhelds that blend portability with a familiar PC ecosystem. Whether for cloud gaming, indie titles, or traditional PC games that demand desktop-class performance, the evolving lineup reflects a broader strategy to make portable PC gaming a practical option rather than a niche curiosity. As new models roll out, buyers should compare processor generations, graphics capabilities, RAM configurations, display quality, cooling solutions, and storage options to identify the device that best fits their play style and budget. For enthusiasts who want a balance of price and performance, the Loki family presents a compelling set of choices, while AyaNeo, Zotac, and other manufacturers continue to push the envelope on what a handheld Windows PC can deliver.
In summary, the portable Windows console market is moving toward greater affordability without sacrificing core functionality. The Loki Mini promises a low entry price, the mid-range Loki options offer better performance for demanding titles, and the Loki Max targets power users who want premium features in a handheld form. With ongoing innovations and new partnerships across North America, gamers can expect more options that bring desktop gaming into their pockets, supported by a growing ecosystem of accessories and software optimized for portable PCs. As always, prospective buyers should stay informed about processor choices, storage capacity, display specs, and battery life to choose a device that aligns with both gaming goals and daily portability.