The upcoming release of the OrangePi Neo, a handheld gaming PC, has been postponed indefinitely due to soaring prices for DDR5 RAM and SSD components. Originally announced in early 2024, this device features an AMD Ryzen 7 7840U chipset, a 7-inch 1920x1200 display, and options for 16 or 32 GB of RAM, along with storage capacities of 512 GB or 2 TB. Its development has been hampered by the same supply chain issues affecting numerous other technology products.
Designed to run Manjaro Linux, the OrangePi Neo stands apart from competitors that typically utilize SteamOS, Android, or Windows. Its user interface is focused on gamepad controls, allowing for both gaming and access to a Plasma desktop environment. Despite completing necessary certifications for CE and FCC, the project remains on hold, awaiting more favorable market conditions.
Similar issues have been observed across the Linux hardware market, with prices for Raspberry Pi boards rising since December 2025. The demand surge is largely attributed to new datacenters designed for generative AI workloads, leaving no signs of relief in sight for the ongoing memory shortages affecting devices like the Steam Deck.