Ayaneo, a well-known name in the realm of handheld gaming consoles, is back with its innovative third-generation flagship device, now available for crowdfunding. This time, they’ve introduced a revolutionary modular controller design. As detailed on their Indiegogo page, the Ayaneo 3 offers a variety of controller modules. The Standard Module includes the classic setup of joysticks, a D-pad, and ABXY buttons. Then there’s the Touchpad Module, where joysticks are swapped for a touchpad. For fighting game enthusiasts, a specialized fighting module replaces the right-side ABXY and joystick with a six-button configuration.
One of the unique features of the Ayaneo 3 is the ability to mix and match these modules, even flipping them upside down. This flexibility provides a whopping 56 possible layout combinations, perfect for anyone looking to tailor their gaming experience. However, we do have some reservations. The console uses a motorized mechanism to eject modules, which might overcomplicate what should be a simple process. We’re eager to get our hands on it to see if these concerns hold up.
Powering the Ayaneo 3 is AMD’s latest processor, offering two noteworthy options. You can opt for the cutting-edge AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU, marking Ayaneo as one of the pioneers in using this chip for portable gaming. Alternatively, there’s the AMD Ryzen 7 8840U, which might be more than sufficient if you don’t require maximum computing power.
The Ayaneo 3 comes in a variety of configurations: a 7-inch 120 Hz LCD capable of reaching 500 nits of brightness and a 7-inch 144 Hz OLED that tops out at 800 nits. Interestingly, both display options are priced the same, leaving choice purely up to preference. Memory options kick off at 16GB when paired with the 8840U CPU, but those opting for the HX 370 can go up to a whopping 64GB. Similarly, storage ranges from a baseline of 512GB up to an impressive 4TB, perfect for gamers who dislike deleting games to make space.
Starting at $899 for the basic model, the Ayaneo 3 can climb to as steep as $2,099 for its fully loaded version. Thankfully, the campaign is generous with discounts up to $300 for early backers.
Keep in mind, the lower-priced models don’t include the flexible controller modules; these are reserved for the more premium 64GB/2TB versions. And unfortunately, Ayaneo doesn’t sell these modules separately, so you’ll need to aim for the higher-end models if you’re interested in added customization.
Ayaneo has already hit its $50,000 crowdfunding goal, a promising sign that the Ayaneo 3 will soon be in production. Their track record for fulfilling promises gives backers a solid confidence level in their purchase.
That said, it’s important to remember that investing in crowdfunded projects carries inherent risks. Even a successful campaign doesn’t always guarantee a finished product. But for those willing to take the plunge, the benefits include a significant discount and the thrill of being one of the first owners of this pioneering piece of tech.
