AMD’s Strix Halo processors are mobile chips with integrated graphics that offers discrete-class performance. So while AMD has been positioning the processors as solutions for compact AI workstations, it’s unsurprising that a few companies have also tapped Strix Halo chips for handheld gaming PCs.

But while AMD’s chips are ostensibly mobile processors that can be used in laptops, tablets, and handhelds they’re also relatively high-power chips by mobile standards. So companies like GPD and One Netbook have taken an interesting approach with their Strix Halo handhelds: instead of internal batteries, the GPD Win 5 and OneXFly Apex both have external battery packs. Now AYANEO is starting to show off its first Strix Halo handheld and it looks like the company may be taking a different approach.

While AYANEO hasn’t confirmed all the specs for the upcoming AYANEO NEXT 2 handheld gaming PC, we already knew that it would support up to an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor with 40-core Radeon 8060S integrated graphics. And now AYANEO has revealed the design of the handheld, along with a few more details, including the fact that it will have a “high capacity battery” to balance “endurance and performance.”

It’s possible that AYANEO could take a page out of its competitors playbooks and use an external battery pack. That solves a few interesting problems: it cuts down on the heat generated by internal components and reduces the weight of the handheld by offering an option to either clip a battery to the back of a device or keep it in your pocket while running a power cable from the battery pack to the handheld. It also allows you to purchase multiple batteries and swap them out on the go for longer game play sessions.

But there’s no mention of an external battery on the AYANEO website, and the images of the handheld’s front, back, and sides don’t show any obvious place to clip one.

Meanwhile, the controller layout suggests that this is a handheld with a big screen, so there might be enough room inside the case for both a high-capacity battery and an effective cooling system. AYANEO says the NEXT II has two “high-efficiency” fans.

In addition to the usual controllers like dual analog sticks, a D-Pad, action buttons, and shoulder triggers, the AYANEO NEXT II has two circular trackpads. In order to make room for those trackpads, the rest of the buttons are all positioned on the top half of the handheld, but unless those controllers have also been shrunk, I wouldn’t be surprised if this handheld had a larger screen than the 7 inch GPD Win 5 or 8 inch OneXly Apex.

There are also four additional buttons on the back of the handheld, as well as trigger locks for the dual-mode triggers. AYANEO says the handheld has TMR joysticks and hall sensor triggers.

The company hasn’t yet confirming pricing, availability, or other details like screen resolution, memory and storage options. But images show that the AYANEO NEXT 2 should have at least two USB Type-C ports, a 3.5mm audio jack, and power and volume buttons along the top edge, as well as an RGB backlit AYANEO logo.

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