Ayaneo backs down: Next Lite will come with Windows 11, not the SteamOS fork

Ayaneo Next Light was one of the industry’s greatest leaders games in the first days of the year. The new handheld console has received a lot of public and press attention as it will supposedly come with SteamOS pre-installed, making it the first to use Valve software outside of the Steam Deck. However, controversy soon erupted as it became known that this was not true. And now the manufacturer has decided to change its strategy and upgrade to Windows 11.

In a statement released on X (Twitter)Ayaneo announced that Next Lite will finally be available to the public with Windows 11 Home edition 64-bit preinstalled A major change that will undoubtedly take some of the appeal away from this device, given that the handheld console market is full of Microsoft software options.

When Ayaneo Next Lite was announced, the big surprise was the mention of using SteamOS as its operating system. After all, no one thought Valve would offer official support for said platform outside of the Steam Deck. The manufacturer’s own website states: “Ayaneo Next Lite comes with SteamOS gaming system pre-installed for the first time.” something completely false.

However, the lie was soon exposed, and Ayaneo had to clarify what Next Lite was actually using fork SteamOS called HoloISO. Ultimately, Valve had nothing to do with this story. And as you can imagine, The public reaction to this situation was largely negative.. Apparently, the creators of the console have now tried to fix something.

Ayaneo Next Lite comes with Windows 11, but doesn’t forget HoloISO

Although Ayaneo took a more traditional approach for Next Lite with the move to Windows 11, didn’t forget HoloISO. The company informed players that it will continue to offer them the option to install fork SteamOS on its own.

Console Buyers will be able to access HoloISO images directly from the Ayaneo website., as commented. The company continues to insist that those who choose to use the software will receive an experience similar to that of Steam Deck.

“The official Ayaneo website offers players to download HoloISO system images that are officially adapted and supported. Players who download and install it can get an experience similar to SteamOS,” the manufacturer’s official portal indicates.

It remains to be seen whether the move to Windows 11 will make Ayaneo Next Lite an attractive product to the public. The console is equipped with AMD Ryzen 5 4500U or Ryzen 7 4800U processors, 16 GB of RAM and up to 512 GB of internal memory. Additionally, it supports SSD storage up to 8TB and has a 47Wh battery.

As for control, The device supports the typical configuration of this type of offering.. Two joysticks, navigation pad, ABXY buttons, triggers and buttons on the shoulders. An interesting point – the joysticks have Hall sensors, which promise not to suffer from the always annoying skidding(to drift).