Ayaneo Mini PC AM02 review: “I’ve never been this hyped for a low-spec rig”

Apr. 18, 2024

Great price

Stylish NES-style design

Fantastic compact performance

4-inch screen built-in

Some screen features yet to roll out

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Yet, taking this new mini PC for a test run quickly revealed that it is capable of handling new games in a similar way to thebest gaming handhelds, and that’s an incredible feat. Keep in mind we’re talking about a rig that starts at $499 / £399 and occupies the same footprint as a PS2 case. Provided you’re not looking for something you can take on the go, this could be the perfect format for minimalist gamers or players looking for a compact living room solution, and I hope rivals are taking notes in terms of design.

Specs

What’s that? You’re wondering why it only has two USB ports? Well, don’t worry, as there are another three hidden under the PC’s front flap, one of which is a USB-C connector. You’ll also find a headphone jack stowed away up front too, just in case you prefer to use a gaming headset with a 3.5mm cable.

On top of that, Ayaneo adds an element of physical interaction that also maintains a practical use case. As I mentioned before, the PC’s front IO is hiding under a flap, and the lip replicates the feel of an NES cartridge slot. However, the handheld makers have slyly added an ‘open’ button that evokes vibes of different consoles like the SNES, even though the functionality isn’t quite the same as any real retro console out there. Just in case it wasn’t clear, I absolutely love this, as it draws on nostalgic vibes without merely mimicking past innovations.

Another subtle styling I greatly appreciate is the transparent jewel-style power button, which again, feels vintage without actually copying anything specific. The same goes for its vent placement, as its top grill sparks something in my brain that harks back to wondering what the ridges on theSegaMega Drive were actually for during my youth.

The former is the screen perhaps more useful, especially if you like to clock-watch fps and temperature figures. With just a tap, you’ll be able to change power settings without any software intervention, and you’ll always be able to tell whether you’re working the little guy too hard at a glance. That said, there’s a lot to love about the screen’s aesthetic functionality too, as it’ll help add a bit of flair to your gaming desk that isn’t just the usual helping on RGB lighting. Sadly, the screensaver option hasn’t arrived yet, but it should roll out at some point via a firmware patch.

I rounded off my testing with Shadow of the Tomb Raider and a 54fps average. Taking advantage of AMD FSR would ultimately help drive performance up to that 60fps sweet spot, but I can’t remotely grumble at that figure. The fact a big adventure like this can run on a 0.9L system kitted out with a Ryzen APU is fantastic and serves as a testament to the validity of low-spec gaming.

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I’ve been messing around with PCs, video game consoles, and tech since before I could speak. Don’t get me wrong, I kickstarted my relationship with technology by jamming a Hot Wheels double-decker bus into my parent’s VCR, but we all have to start somewhere. I even somehow managed to become a walking, talking buyer’s guide at my teenage supermarket job, which helped me accept my career fate. So, rather than try to realise my musician dreams, or see out my University degree, I started running my own retro pop culture site and writing about video games and tech for the likes of TechRadar, The Daily Star, and the BBC before eventually ending up with a job covering graphics card shenanigans at PCGamesN. Now, I’m your friendly neighbourhood Hardware Editor at GamesRadar, and it’s my job to make sure you can kick butt in all your favourite games using the best gaming hardware, whether you’re a sucker for handhelds like the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch or a hardcore gaming PC enthusiast.

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