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Development of the Orange Pi Neo handheld is currently on hold, with the developer citing fluctuating RAM and storage prices as the primary reason for the setback. The ongoing component shortages continue to impact the tech industry, and the Neo handheld is the latest casualty.
However, the project remains active, and is not abandoned – the uncertainty now lies with the launch window. Given the continued challenges in the supply chain affecting consumer tech companies, the future appears uncertain for smaller firms like Orange Pi. The handheld gaming market is rapidly evolving, and timing is critical for success.
Software Development Continues to Progress
Positive progress has been made on the software side, with Manjaro Gaming Edition seeing significant improvements, according to philm from the Manjaro team. The handheld has also received CE and FCC certifications, which is encouraging news. Should the supply chain situation improve, the Neo handheld project appears poised to move forward.
It’s worth noting that the Neo handheld has been in development for nearly two years, and was originally planned to feature AMD Ryzen 7 7840U and 8840U processors. While Zen 4-based chips remain capable, they are not as competitive as they were two years ago. Further delays may necessitate an APU upgrade for the device.
The base model was initially priced at $450 with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, but given the current market conditions, the Orange Pi Neo will likely cost considerably more if it eventually reaches store shelves. For those seeking a portable gaming experience now, alternatives like the ROG Ally, currently available on Amazon for $580, are available.
