Ayaneo Pocket DMG: GameBoy-Inspired Handheld Launches on Crowdfunding from $339

Ayaneo has introduced the Ayaneo Pocket DMG on IndieGogo, showcasing a nostalgic GameBoy-inspired handheld device powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon G3X Gen 2. It’s currently available at an Early Bird price starting at $339 USD for the base model, which features 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. For those seeking a bit more power, the top-tier model comes in at $499 with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, while a unique “Retro Color” Limited Edition is priced at $589 during the early bird promo.

What really stands out about this handheld is its ability to deliver beyond expectations at its price range. The included Snapdragon chip is more than capable, handling popular titles like Genshin Impact at a steady 60 FPS, and even tackling console emulation from the GameCube and PlayStation 2 era effortlessly. Of course, for those who are looking to play a broader range of games, Valve’s Steam Deck might be a more budget-friendly option especially if you’re adding it to an existing PC setup.

The Ayaneo Pocket DMG not only boasts impressive specs, but also features a range of controls that cater to the modern gamer. It comes equipped with hidden trigger buttons, optional motion controls, and a responsive right touchpad, all of which enhance the gaming experience, particularly for streaming from your PC. The analog stick, although small, is designed with hall-effect technology to prevent drift over time.

Some might think that incorporating an OLED screen in a device this small is over the top. However, it’s worth mentioning that other premium devices like the Analogue Pocket also utilize high-quality displays, though they’re opting for a 1440p LCD instead. With the Ayaneo Pocket DMG, you’re getting a 3.92-inch OLED with a resolution of 1,240 x 1,080, along with an impressive color gamut reaching approximately 104% NTSC and brightness up to 450 nits. Thanks to the low input lag of OLEDs, this makes the Pocket DMG an excellent companion for retro gaming, despite not being a competitor for AAA gaming with the likes of the Steam Deck OLED.

When it comes to emulation and Android gaming, the Ayaneo Pocket DMG shows its strength and premium feel. While opting for models with 12GB or 16GB RAM might seem a bit much for what’s essentially not a full PC handheld, it’s important to remember the increasing demands of modern mobile games and emulation tasks. For value, your best bet would be to start with the entry-level version and expand storage with an SD card as needed.

The Ayaneo Pocket DMG also caters to connectivity needs with support for USB 3.2 Gen 2 through a Type-C port capable of 10 Gigabits per second transfer speeds, as well as Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3. Though typical wired connectivity options are functional for simpler tasks like file transfers, the inclusion of Wi-Fi 7, supporting up to 30 Gigabits per second, is particularly useful for features like Steam Remote Play.

It’s crucial to remember that investing in a crowdfunding project like this comes with its risks. Backing it is more akin to making an investment rather than purchasing a ready-to-ship product. You’re supporting the project with the hope that it comes to fruition successfully.