Ayaneo Pocket DMG: Classic GameBoy-Inspired Handheld Launches Crowdfunding at $339 Starting Price

Ayaneo has hit the crowdfunding scene on IndieGogo with its latest release, the Ayaneo Pocket DMG. This handheld device, inspired by the classic GameBoy design, is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon G3X Gen 2 and comes with an OLED display. You can snag one at a discounted Early Bird price, starting at $339 for the basic version, which boasts 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. If you’re looking for something more high-end, there’s a model offering 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage for $499, and for those who want a nostalgic touch, the Limited Edition “Retro Color” is available for $589.

At these price points, the Snapdragon chip inside is more than just competent. It handles high-end mobile gaming with ease, letting you enjoy titles like Genshin Impact at a smooth 60 FPS. It’s also capable of emulating games from the GameCube and PlayStation 2 era without breaking a sweat, even at higher resolutions. Although the Steam Deck offers a broader game selection, especially if you’re not already a PC enthusiast, the Pocket DMG raises the bar for portable gaming.

Moving beyond specs and cost, the Pocket DMG is a remarkably well-equipped handheld, considering its size and price tag. It features hidden trigger buttons, coastlines shoulder buttons, and the option for motion controls, plus a right touchpad. All these ensure you have everything you need for contemporary gaming, including streaming from your PC. Even though the analog stick may be small, its hall-effect design should prevent drift over time.

Some might argue that an OLED panel is excessive for such a compact screen, but it’s worth noting that premium competitors like the Analogue Pocket also prioritize top-tier displays, albeit with a sharp 1440p LCD. The Ayaneo Pocket DMG sports a 3.92-inch OLED screen with a resolution of 1,240 x 1,080, promising an impressive 104% NTSC color gamut and up to 450 nits brightness. This display’s low latency could make it a fantastic choice for retro gaming, even if it doesn’t dethrone larger systems like the Steam Deck OLED for AAA gaming.

For enthusiasts of emulation and Android gaming, the Pocket DMG stands out as a formidable option, thanks to its form and premium feel. While opting for the 12GB or 16GB RAM versions might seem excessive for a non-PC device, modern games and emulators still demand significant resources. However, for the best value, the entry-level version combined with an expanded SD card storage is your go-to setup.

The Ayaneo Pocket DMG is equipped with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, supporting up to 10 Gigabits per second for data transfer. It also includes Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3. Although the wired options are sufficient for smaller files, Wi-Fi 7’s ability to reach speeds up to 30 Gigabits per second makes it perfect for high-performance tasks like Steam Remote Play.

As a final note, remember that backing a crowdfunded project like this isn’t a guarantee of getting a finished product. It’s more of an investment in the potential of the project, showing support and hope for success, rather than purchasing a ready-to-ship product.