Antec Enters Handheld Gaming Market with Rebranded Ayaneo Slide, the Core HS
Antec has officially launched its first foray into the gaming handheld market with the Antec Core HS. This device, however, isn't entirely new. It's essentially a rebranded Ayaneo Slide, offering the same hardware but with a more appealing price tag, at least initially.
Cheaper Launch Price, But Familiar Hardware:
While the Core HS might be a rebadge, it does come with a significant advantage: a lower price. The 16GB RAM and 512GB storage variant is currently available for $499, a considerable discount compared to the Ayaneo Slide's launch price of $699. Antec is also offering a bundle deal with the 32GB RAM and 2TB storage variant, including accessories like a carrying bag, screen protector, docking station, and performance thumbsticks, for $699.
However, the similarities with the Ayaneo Slide don't end there. The Core HS boasts the same internal specifications, including the powerful AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor, comparable to the Ryzen Z1 Extreme found in devices like the Asus ROG Ally. It also features a full-size 2280 SSD slot and fast LPDDR5X RAM clocked at 7500MHz.
The Catch: Same Drawbacks as the Ayaneo Slide:
Unfortunately, the Antec Core HS inherits the same drawback as its Ayaneo counterpart: a 60Hz screen without AMD FreeSync or variable refresh rate support. This puts it at a disadvantage compared to competitors like the ROG Ally, which offers a smoother and more responsive gaming experience.
A Strategic Entry Point:
Despite the shared weakness, Antec's decision to rebrand the Ayaneo Slide allows them to enter the rapidly growing handheld gaming market quickly and with a competitive price point. This strategy could provide them with valuable experience and market data to develop their own unique handheld gaming device in the future.
