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

Ayaneo has just made waves by unveiling its new Ayaneo Pocket DMG on the crowdfunding site IndieGogo. This sleek device is drawing attention with its retro GameBoy-inspired design and modern tech, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon G3X Gen 2 chip. The initial pricing is quite attractive, starting at just $339 for the basic model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. At the higher end, there’s a $499 variant offering 16GB RAM along with 512GB of storage. For fans of nostalgic aesthetics, there’s also a Limited Edition “Retro Color” model available through Early Bird pricing at $589.

On the performance front, the Snapdragon chip inside this handheld can easily handle high-end mobile games, effortlessly delivering a steady 60 frames per second with popular titles like Genshin Impact. It’s also capable of emulating classic consoles up to the GameCube and PlayStation 2, even when set to higher internal resolutions. While Valve’s Steam Deck might offer a wider game library at a lower price, especially if you don’t already own a PC handheld, Ayaneo’s option holds its own due to its unique appeal and capabilities.

Beyond its immediate specs and price tag, the Ayaneo Pocket DMG impresses with its comprehensive feature set. It includes hidden trigger buttons tucked between the shoulder buttons, optional motion controls, and a responsive right touchpad. These features ensure modern gaming experiences, especially when streaming from your PC. Despite the compact size of its analog stick, it’s a hall-effect design, which should help prevent the irritating drift that plagues many similar devices.

Some might argue that an OLED screen for this display size is excessive. However, when you compare it with other high-end models like the Analogue Pocket — which opts for a sharp 1440p LCD — you’ll see it’s a considered choice. The Pocket DMG sports a 3.92-inch OLED display with a 1,240 x 1,080 resolution. It offers an impressive 104% NTSC color gamut and can shine up to 450 nits, making it an ideal companion for retro gaming. It’s worth noting that, for AAA titles, it won’t outshine the Steam Deck OLED or more potent PC handhelds.

When it comes to emulation and Android gaming, the Ayaneo Pocket DMG is a premium contender despite its compact form. Although its 12GB and 16GB RAM models (using LPDDR5X clocked up to 8,533 MT/s) might seem a bit much given it’s not a PC handheld, modern mobile games and intense emulation tasks justify the extra memory. However, if you’re looking for value, the entry-level model, paired with an expandable SD card, is probably your best bet.

Finally, the tech specs are rounded off with support for USB 3.2 Gen 2 via a Type-C port, ensuring data transfers at speeds up to 10 Gigabits per second, along with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3. While wired connectivity might be average, Wi-Fi 7 is excellent for activities like Steam Remote Play, making it perfect for more demanding online interactions.

One last word of caution: crowdfunded projects, while full of promise, don’t always guarantee a finished product. Backing such a venture is more like placing a bet on its potential to succeed rather than buying something off the shelf.