Ayaneo Pocket DMG Launches Crowdfunding for $339: A Classic GameBoy-Inspired Handheld

Ayaneo has just rolled out its latest innovation on IndieGogo: the Ayaneo Pocket DMG, a handheld device styled like the classic GameBoy but packing some serious modern technology under the hood. It’s powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon G3X Gen 2 processor and comes at an enticing Early Bird price of just $339 for the base model, which includes 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. If you’re itching for more power, the top-tier version offers 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage for $499, while the exclusive “Retro Color” edition is available for Early Bird backers at $589.

At these prices, the Snapdragon chip handles high-end mobile gaming with ease, running titles like Genshin Impact smoothly at 60 FPS. It even supports emulation for consoles like the GameCube and PlayStation 2, all without breaking a sweat. While Valve’s Steam Deck might offer a wider game library for less if you’ve already got a PC gaming setup, this device makes a strong case for itself.

The Ayaneo Pocket DMG isn’t just about pricing and specs. Despite its compact form, it comes loaded with features. Trigger buttons discreetly tucked between the shoulder buttons, optional motion controls, and a right-side touchpad offer a versatile gaming experience. Plus, its analog stick benefits from hall-effect technology, which should help prevent drift issues over time.

Though some might argue that an OLED display is excessive for such a small screen, it’s worth mentioning that high-quality visuals are becoming the norm, as seen with the Analogue Pocket’s 1440p LCD. The Pocket DMG features a 3.92-inch OLED screen boasting a resolution of 1,240 x 1,080 and covering about 104% of the NTSC color gamut, peaking at a brightness of 450 nits. This setup, combined with OLED’s low input lag, makes it an excellent choice for retro gaming, even if it can’t compete with more robust PC handhelds for AAA titles.

In terms of emulation and Android gaming, the Ayaneo Pocket DMG presents itself as both a strong and high-end selection, particularly given its sleek design. While 12GB and 16GB RAM models (using LPDDR5X running up to 8,533 MT/s) might seem extravagant — this isn’t a full-blown PC after all — intense modern mobile games push the limits. For those looking for value, starting with the entry-level model and adding extra storage with an SD card is the way to go.

On the connectivity front, this handheld includes a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port capable of up to 10 Gigabits per second. There’s also support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3. While the wired connection isn’t groundbreaking, it’ll suffice for transferring smaller games and files. That Wi-Fi 7, though, is a game-changer, especially if you’re into Steam Remote Play, with speeds soaring up to 30 Gigabits per second.

A gentle reminder: backing a crowdfunding campaign is more of a trust exercise than a shopping spree. It’s akin to making an investment in something you believe in, not a straightforward purchase — there are no guarantees of receiving a finished product.