The Aya Neo Air Plus Is A Powerful, Smaller, And Pricier Steam Deck Alternative

Since Air Plus runs Windows 11, you get a much larger library of games than Steam Deck. This is perhaps the main selling point of Air Plus laptops and Windows laptops in general: you don't have to worry about missed notifications and checked statuses. If a PC game offers controller support, the Air Plus may have no problem launching it. This is especially useful for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, as you get access to a huge library of games. Yes, you can stream Game Pass games to the Steam Deck, but performance varies for many games. Technically, you can also install it on Windows Steam Deck, but Valve Handheld doesn't work well with Windows (not recommended). It also means that you can play online multiplayer games that don't work on Steam Deck due to the lack of anti-cheat measures.

The Air Plus is definitely a gaming device, but you can also use it as a Windows desktop PC by purchasing an official docking station (which I haven't tested) or a third-party option like a USB-C hub . Alternatively, you can use a USB-C to HDMI video cable and plug the power adapter into another USB-C port (one top and one bottom). However, the hub will allow you to use devices connected via a 2.4 GHz cable or dongle. When using the standard Windows operating system on the Aya Neo device, it is useful to use the normal settings of keyboard and mouse. If you're away from your desk, this little keyboard and mouse combo will come in handy. Although the Air Plus is only comparable to a cheap gaming laptop or desktop, it is capable of functioning like a normal PC when plugged in. Seeing the Air Plus like this also adds to the value of your purchase.

The Aya Neo Air Plus comes at an interesting time for Windows Pocket PCs. Asus recently announced a 7-inch gaming laptop that will launch on May 11. The Asus ROG Ally offers Steam Deck-like performance in the $600-$700 price bracket. Previously, Aya Neo only competed with other startups in the Windows laptop market. Aya Neo devices with ROG Ally can be more expensive. The 7-inch Aya Neo unit could succeed if the ROG Ally offered comparable performance for a few hundred dollars less.

However, the Air Plus (and Air/Air Pro) still hold a unique position in the market due to their size. If you think a 7" Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Aya Neo 2, etc. is too big, the Aya Neo Air Plus is a great choice if you need high performance.

For the same price as the 512GB Steam Deck you can get with the Aya Neo Air Plus 6800U processor, the Aya Neo will be the best choice for many users. Like the first Aya Neo, the premium price and battery life are the only real downsides. Of course, the Aya Neo has always had an initial Indiegogo price that brings handhelds like the Air Plus closer to Steam Deck's price, so that's something to consider going forward.

However, the Aya Neo Air Plus is the other flagship model in this ever-growing line of gaming laptops. Such performance in such a small package is an extraordinary feat. If you want a Windows laptop, the Air Plus should be at the top of your list.

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The Aya Neo Air Pro is powerful for its small size (Steam Deck Alternative review)