The Ayaneo 3 Steam Deck rival comes with an amazing magic trick

There's a Steam Deck rival coming in the new year that has a real magic trick up its sleeve. Instead of being just another AMD Ryzen Windows device, it offers a design innovation that could be a literal game-changer.

We first heard about the Ayaneo 3 in November, but its unique talent was just teased at the time. Now we've learned that the PC handheld will come with switchable control modules.

Each side contains a slot for a "Magic Module", which can be switched around or swapped for a different configuration. Alternative thumbstick and D-pad combinations can therefore be created to best suit each game.

Extra Magic Modules will be available, including one with a six button array rather than a right thumbstick, while most of them can also be completely turned around, so if you prefer your sticks at the bottom, like a DualSense controller rather than Xbox, say, then that will be possible too.

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In terms of other specs, the Ayaneo 3 will be available in two versions – one with a 7-inch 1080p 120Hz LCD display, the other a step-up model with a 7-inch 1080p 144Hz OLED screen.

It can be spec'ed up to an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, while sound has been boosted over the Ayaneo 2, using magnetic suspension motors in the stereo speaker array.

Both variants will run on Ayaneo's latest software – Ayaspace 3.0.

We're still awaiting further details as the brand gets ready to launch, although it posted a live stream (in Chinese) with a brief hands-on look at the device yesterday.

AYANEO 3 & Limited Edition New Product Sharing Session - YouTube

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You'll find it available to purchase on Indiegogo soon and if you head there now you can sign up to be one of the first to find out more.