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

Ayaneo has unveiled its latest creation, the Ayaneo Pocket DMG, on IndieGogo. This GameBoy-inspired handheld, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon G3X Gen 2, comes with an OLED display and is currently offered at an Early Bird price starting at just $339 for the basic model, which includes 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. If you’re looking for something more robust, the top-tier version costs $499 and features 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. There’s also a Limited Edition “Retro Color” version available for $589 during this early phase.

Now, you might wonder if the Snapdragon chip can handle intense mobile gaming, but rest assured, it’s more than capable. With games like Genshin Impact running smoothly at a constant 60 FPS, and even emulation for consoles like the GameCube and PlayStation 2 managing high-resolution settings without a hitch, you’re in for a solid gaming experience. That being said, the Steam Deck’s LCD model might be more cost-effective if you aren’t already using another PC handheld to complement your setup.

Let’s talk about features that make this device stand out. Despite its retro style and compact size, the Ayaneo Pocket DMG is packed with features. It boasts hidden trigger buttons, optional motion controls, and a right touchpad, offering the inputs necessary for a seamless modern gaming experience. Plus, with the hall-effect analog sticks, you can wave goodbye to worries about drift becoming an issue over time.

Some might say an OLED screen is overkill for such a small device, but remember, other elite handhelds like the Analogue Pocket also sport high-quality screens. While the Analogue Pocket goes for a super sharp 1440p LCD, the Ayaneo Pocket DMG delivers a 3.92-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1,240 x 1,080. It covers an impressive 104% of the NTSC color gamut and reaches up to 450 nits brightness. This makes it a great choice for retro gaming, even if it doesn’t rival the Steam Deck OLED or other high-powered PC handhelds for AAA titles.

For those interested in emulation and Android gaming, the Ayaneo Pocket DMG stands as a premium option, despite its retro look. While some may find the 12GB and 16GB RAM versions a bit excessive for a non-PC handheld, modern mobile games and emulation can be quite demanding. Your best value might be starting with the entry-level version and adding an SD card later.

Connectivity-wise, the device is equipped with USB 3.2 Gen 2 via a Type-C port, offering up to 10 Gigabits of data transfer speed, along with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 capabilities. While the wired connection options are fairly standard, Wi-Fi 7 is ideal for faster activities, like Steam Remote Play, supporting speeds up to 30 Gigabits per second.

Before you go all-in on this exciting device, remember that crowdfunding is more of an investment in an idea rather than buying a finished product. Supporting a crowdfunded project means believing in its potential success, not expecting a ready-to-go retail item.