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

Ayaneo has introduced the Ayaneo Pocket DMG on IndieGogo, a crowdfunding platform, showcasing their new GameBoy-inspired OLED handheld powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon G3X Gen 2. Early Bird pricing starts at just $339 USD for the basic model, which comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. There’s also a higher-end model priced at $499, featuring 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, and a Limited Edition “Retro Color” version that goes for $589 at the Early Bird rate.

At this price range, the Snapdragon chip inside is perfectly capable of delivering high-quality mobile gaming experiences. It can handle games like Genshin Impact at a steady 60 FPS and even supports console emulation for systems like the GameCube and PlayStation 2 with no hiccups, even when settings are cranked up. However, if you own a PC and want to play a broader range of games economically, Valve’s Steam Deck, with its LCD screen, might be a more viable option.

Apart from the specs and price, this handheld is quite impressive for what it offers in both price and design. Hidden trigger buttons nestled amidst the shoulder buttons, optional motion controls, and a right touchpad all contribute to an immersive gaming experience, especially when streaming games from your PC to the Ayaneo Pocket DMG. The small analog stick is a hall-effect type, which means it should be resistant to drift, a common issue in other devices.

Some might argue that using an OLED panel for this size is excessive, but it’s worth pointing out that top-tier gadgets like the Analogue Pocket also favor high-resolution screens. The latter opts for a sharp 1440p LCD, while the Ayaneo Pocket DMG boasts a 3.92-inch OLED display with a 1,240 x 1,080 resolution, covering an estimated 104% NTSC color gamut and reaching up to 450 nits brightness. This low-latency OLED screen makes the Pocket DMG a top companion for retro gaming, even though it won’t replace the Steam Deck OLED or more powerful handheld PCs for heavyweight gaming.

When it comes to emulation and Android gaming, the Ayaneo Pocket DMG holds its ground as a strong, premium option despite its compact form. Given the growing demands of mobile games and emulation, investing in models with 12GB or 16GB of RAM (LPDDR5X, reaching speeds up to 8,533 MT/s) might seem excessive, but they do cater to more intense requirements. For those watching their budget, the entry-level version paired with an expandable SD card is likely the best value.

Moreover, the Ayaneo Pocket DMG supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 through a Type-C port, which offers up to 10 Gigabits of data transfer speed, alongside Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3. While the wired options are pretty standard, they’re sufficient for moving smaller files and games. The Wi-Fi 7 support, capable of speeds up to 30 Gigabits per second, is particularly beneficial for things like Steam Remote Play.

Lastly, it’s important to remember that contributing to a crowdfunding project doesn’t guarantee a finished product. It’s more like an investment where you support the idea because you believe in it and hope for its success, rather than directly buying a retail item.