Since Christmas Eve, Ayaneo has been busy revealing more details about its much-anticipated Ayaneo 3 handheld device. The standout announcement is undoubtedly the inclusion of swappable control modules, offering gamers unprecedented levels of customization. Until now, such modularity was mostly seen in standalone controllers like the Victrix Pro BFG. Bringing this feature to handheld gaming, especially combined with robust hall-effect sensors in the analog sticks and triggers, is truly exciting.
Beyond the flurry of Tweets and Discord conversations about the new Ayaneo 3, the company has also released a video that gives us various perspectives of the device and its innovative control modules. Back in November, we learned that the Ayaneo 3 would be available in two configurations: the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and the Ryzen 7 8840U. Sadly, pricing details and further technical specifications remain elusive. However, more information is expected at an official launch event rumored for late January 2025.
Watch Ayaneo’s reveal video on their YouTube channel to catch a glimpse of these groundbreaking features in action.
The real game-changer here is the hyper-modular design, which allows not only for swapping but also inverting control modules at will. You can even replace individual buttons. This makes the Ayaneo 3 incredibly versatile, adapting seamlessly to any gaming genre that uses a controller. Whether you’re a fan of six-button fighting games like Street Fighter or nostalgic about retro Sega console games, you’ll appreciate the six-face-button module. Meanwhile, modules with a touchpad are ideal for more desktop-oriented gaming sessions, particularly when paired with Steam Input.
Without concrete pricing or additional specs, whether the Ayaneo 3 will be a must-buy remains to be seen. Its early features suggest an emphasis on versatility, which might appeal to budget-conscious gamers, especially if they choose the Ryzen 7 8840U coupled with a 7-inch LCD over the OLED variant. We’ll have to wait and see if these trade-offs pay off. Yet, with its unique focus on advanced, customizable inputs, the Ayaneo 3 seems poised to hold its own against other premium handhelds expected next year.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights on Ayaneo 3 as we inch closer to its official launch, where hopefully all our lingering questions will be answered.
