RAMpocalypse claims another casualty. AYANEO posted a few updates this morning, as it announced that “all remaining crowdfunding orders” for the Flip 1S have been shipped, while KONKR Pocket FIT 8 Elite shipping has commenced. However, towards the end of the latter update post, AYANEO confirmed that its first 8 Elite handheld will soon be gone forever.
Please also note that due to the recent increase in storage component prices, future production costs will rise significantly. As a result, after this upcoming restock, Pocket FIT 8Elite will very likely be the final production batch, and it will be available while supplies last, with no current plans for further restocking.
This comes as little surprise, given the current state of RAM and storage supply issues, causing a strain across not just handhelds, but the PC market on the whole. After a surprise restock, AYN’s Odin 3 Ultra was temporarily shelved, while Retroid discontinued both the Pocket G2 and 12GB Pocket 6 for the same reasons.
On the bright side, if you missed out on the Indiegogo campaign or canceled your order and are getting cold feet, you’re in luck. AYANEO also confirmed that it will be restocking the Pocket Fit Elite, but not until “most of the current pre-orders have been fulfilled.” Once available, you’ll be able to buy one directly from the AYANEO website until the company runs out of stock.
In addition to the news about the Flip 1S and Pocket Fit, AYANEO had a few more tidbits of information to share about other devices in its lineup:
Due to the recent increase in storage component costs, prices across many AYANEO products will be rising soon. At the same time, some models may be temporarily discontinued once current inventory sells out.
- Pocket VERT and Pocket S Mini — Only limited stock remains. Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Pocket DS — Currently in pre-order, with only around 200 units available in this batch. Future production remains uncertain once sold out.
- Pocket FIT G3 Gen 3 and Pocket FIT 8 Elite — These models will be relaunched in phases after the current Pocket FIT 8Elite shipments are completed.
- KONKR FIT — If you haven’t placed your order yet, now is the time. Production will be limited and based on actual order volume.
- The Pocket S Mini promotion (Free Pocket AIR Mini) will officially end on April 1st. There are only 4 days remaining to take advantage of this offer—don’t miss your chance to get the bonus while it lasts.
Not to mention that just a few days ago, sales of the AYANEO Next II were suspended as the “overall cost of the product has become far higher than our current selling price.”
No matter which way you look at it, the gaming and PC market is getting flipped on its proverbial head, with no real end in sight. Unfortunately, this is just the beginning, as many of us suspect that the entire landscape will likely look quite a bit different this time next year, if not much sooner.
