What does Ayaneo Pocket S mean for the future of premium Android gaming?

Finally unleashed after a seemingly interminable wait, the Ayaneo Pocket S debuts with the ambitious goal of revolutionizing the high-end Android gaming experience. One aspect contributing to the problem was the fact that it launched in December 2023, with an additional challenge being that the product wasn’t available for purchase until April 2024.

Fast-forward to today, the Pocket S remains one of the most effective handhelds worth investing in.

Only a few corners have been minimized to enable prolonged gaming sessions lasting hours on end. The Razer Phone 4’s innovative borderless display, coupled with its economic design and energy efficiency enabled by the powerful Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 processor, makes it a comprehensive solution for all your needs. 

While there’s much to appreciate about this portable device’s offerings, it falls short of true expertise in its field. Let’s take a closer look at the Pocket S and explore what makes it such an innovative product. 

The Ayaneo Pocket S was first announced in December 2023 and then successfully launched on Indiegogo in April 2024, beating its initial delivery schedule by a few months as shipments began in June 2024. As of September 2024, the Pocket S smartphone is now available for purchase.

Three distinct RAM and storage configurations are available for selection, alongside a choice of two colors. Pricing starts at $509 for the base model featuring 12GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, while the “Unmarked Version” is priced at $749.

As I’ve matured with age, I’ve developed an acute sense of what constitutes a truly exceptional piece of machinery. Given its history with Ayaneo merchandise, it’s evident that the company has a clear focus area – and this emphasis becomes instantly apparent with the Pocket S.

The Android handheld combines a durable blend of aluminum, scratch-resistant glass, and a minimalist use of high-quality plastic. As a result, the controller provides a reassuring weight in the hand, giving me confidence that it can withstand enthusiastic gaming sessions without breaking or compromising performance.

While the all-glass entrance panel’s transparency makes it vulnerable to glare, its stunning aesthetic appeal is undeniable. The 6-inch display’s borderless design significantly enhances the viewing experience, available in both high-definition 1080p and crisp 1440p resolutions. Fortunately, my Pocket S stands out as a rare breed, offering video game visuals that are almost as impressive as those delivered by an IPS display would be.

With the Ayaneo Pocket S, it’s clear that the manufacturer has spared no expense in its design, packing a plethora of features into this sleek device. This device boasts a comprehensive array of features, including a microSD card slot, an influence button doubling as a fingerprint scanner, and all the essentials in between. A hardware modification enables seamless switching between distinct performance modes at the user’s discretion.

What drives efficiency and meets requirements? The device is configured with a pairing of the G3x Gen 2, complemented by 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, resulting in one of the most impressive Android devices currently available on the market. Due to its similarity in design to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the G3x Gen 2 chip can be expected to provide only slightly improved performance as a result of mere overclocking.

The Pocket S is an unadulterated powerhouse in the realm of emulation. This powerful machine is capable of handling high-level video games and even complex Windows emulation seamlessly, without so much as flinching. Because of its reliance on a Snapdragon chip, the device is limited in its ability to run high-performance applications effectively. Despite initial success, tweaking settings and exploring alternative drivers may still be necessary to resolve any issues that arise.

The Pocket S performs exceptionally well, regardless of whether you adhere to the constraints of the Google Play Store. While the game’s initial release has been marred by technical issues, frustrating a significant number of players who’ve encountered obstacles preventing them from participating. Although the Pocket S did not encounter this problem in most cases, it did experience difficulty with this particular type of recreation.

The video frames have been marred by inconsistencies in tone and resolution, evoking a nostalgic sense of a product from the early 2010s rather than modern standards. I’m no longer thrilled at the prospect of diving into a game without having to reconfigure my touchscreen controls, which suggests this may be a temporary issue caused by a recent update.

On the topic of mapping controls, many video games available on the Google Play Store simply don’t require controller support. Even when you’re trying to play a game on your phone or tablet with something like an Android emulator, that is still the case.

With its innovative approach, Ayaneo successfully bypassed this limitation through the clever use of a “No Feeling” button mapping feature. Slide out the AYASpace overlay from the correct position, and seamlessly integrate Key Mapping directly beneath the Controller section. Utilize the on-screen display to correlate touchscreen functionality with the physical controls on your Pocket S device. This type of recreational activity works well for most people, but individual results may vary.

Many handheld devices and controllers pose a significant problem due to their often-unsatisfactory ergonomics. While it has all the bells and whistles, this device’s effectiveness could be compromised in an instant if my hands start cramping.

Upon receiving my new Pocket S, there was a crucial task that required my attention from the start. I must admit, I’m underwhelmed by this sleek device; its sharp-edged design and absence of contours make prolonged gaming sessions feel like a chore, limiting my playtime to mere 30-45 minute intervals.

While Ayaneo offers a surprising solution to this issue, unfortunately, it’s not something customers can readily purchase on their official website. On its launch, Ayaneo introduced a range of peripherals, featuring both an “Ergonomic Case” and a 2-in-1 variant, designed to provide a snug fit for comfortable handheld gaming experiences. The case’s primary component is a sturdy plastic shell with a matte finish that securely attaches to the handheld device.

The Ergonomic Case seamlessly integrates with the Pocket S, eliminating the need for manual removal from a sleeve or bag, and remaining securely attached throughout use. As you hold it simultaneously, the experience becomes uncannily intuitive, much like grasping a controller rather than simply a solid slab of glass and aluminum. 

Conveniently, I received this a few days following the Pocket S’s arrival, whereupon it primarily resided. While some individuals may have access to this information, unfortunately, many others remain unaware since it’s conspicuously absent from the official Ayaneo website. Discovering unique finds on AliExpress, one might wonder what would have been achieved by focusing solely on its niche applications. 

If you’re plagued by hand cramps and struggle to find comfortable laptop handling solutions, Ayaneo’s Ergonomic Case is a “must-have” worth considering.

The device’s design may not be optimized for inserting the microSD card in the slot located on the left side, which could impact its overall performance and functionality. You can toggle between efficiency modes through the software, and it’s recommended to place your components in there initially before assembling the case.

One area that has been a concern of mine is the cost. A high initial investment in a contract exceeding $500 may pose significant challenges for many individuals to overcome. At this tier, the Pocket S boasts a robust configuration consisting of 12GB of RAM and 128GB of storage – an impressive combination that offers much more than initially meets the eye. For just $40 extra, you can upgrade to a significantly more powerful and impressive Steam Deck OLED.

While playing Windows games on an Android gaming handheld can be a pleasant feature, it necessitates more effort than simply clicking “Download” in the Google Play Store. While the Steam Deck excels at handling a wide range of tasks, the ROG Zephyr is essentially a portable Windows PC designed to keep up with demanding gaming and computing needs. The Steam Deck’s OLED display features a faster refresh rate, and its flexibility allows users to physically upgrade the storage by incorporating a microSD card slot.

I’m not going to suppose an excessive amount about the number of. Despite this, it’s difficult to resist the allure of a device like the Pocket S, which can become even more expensive when upgraded with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, a substantial increase that justifies its higher price point.

While I’m generally pleased with the Ayaneo Pocket S, I do have some minor complaints – most notably, I would’ve preferred either an OLED screen or an IPS display with a faster refresh rate. Fortunately, Ayaneo is addressing these concerns with its forthcoming Pocket EVO release later this year.

In the Android gaming handheld space, a clear duopoly has long prevailed, with no sign of the Razer Edge’s planned revival materializing. Ayaneo and AYN have been trading blows in an unconventional manner, each offering something distinct from its counterpart.

AYN’s Odyssey 2 suddenly burst forth onto the Android gaming landscape, rivalling many other portable consoles currently vying for attention in the market. Powered by the advanced Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, this device boasts a more ergonomic design and an unbeatable price point that’s remarkably reasonable. For a comparable configuration, the Odin 2’s 16GB/512GB model can be snagged for $459, a significant savings compared to the Pocket S, which would set you back more than $600.

Earlier this year, AYN caused a stir by launching an additional option in the Odin 2 series with a . The gaming powerhouse, which originally featured an LCD panel, now boasts a miniLED display that rivals the visual quality of a hypothetical 2024-launched PlayStation Vita. The Galaxy A53 5G’s efficiency can be effectively managed thanks to the potent Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which offers a significant price advantage, with options starting at $339 and $399.

As previously discussed, Ayaneo has announced a handheld device that addresses several of my concerns, with its anticipated release date set to precede the end of 2023. While it inherits many internal features from the Pocket S, it presents them in a more user-friendly and athletic guise, boasting an OLED display with a rapid 165Hz refresh rate. The Indiegogo marketing campaign is currently underway, boasting a range of options starting at $389 for an 8GB/128GB model, and reaching up to $645 for the high-performance “RetroPower” variant featuring 24GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage.

To maintain momentum, AYN has recently unveiled its latest handheld device, the [insert name], with an official Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign now live. The Portal features a 7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, powered by a reliable Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. The early hen configuration options range from $329 to $499, offering three distinct choices for buyers to consider.

• Are you in search of the most powerful and impressive Android gaming handheld available today?
• I am thoroughly enthralled by the opulent designs consistently delivered by Ayaneo.
• Are you seeking a versatile and powerful gaming companion?
• Here’s a portable gaming console that can easily reconfigure its touch-sensitive interface to suit your preferred gameplay style.

• You are on a funds.
• You’d easily pair a controller with your phone.
• Cloud gaming services require exclusive infrastructure for seamless experiences.
• You require an OLED display with rapid refresh rates.

Despite my reservations about the Ayaneo Pocket S, I must admit that using it has been an extraordinary experience. Finding dedicated blocks of time to indulge in gaming sessions for more than just a few minutes is indeed a significant challenge.

If there weren’t any forthcoming devices like the Pocket EVO and Odin 2 Portal on the horizon within a couple of months, I’d be quite comfortable endorsing the Pocket S. The Ayaneo software seamlessly integrates expert features, consistently refining its performance with innovative solutions. Despite acknowledging room for improvement in the launcher, a solution is readily available through the use of ES-DE for Android, effectively resolving any shortcomings.

If you’re not planning to upgrade to the EVO or the Portal, I’d strongly recommend purchasing the Pocket S. The Anbernic RG905M, a dedicated gaming Android handheld, comes preloaded with everything you could possibly require to enjoy your favourite games on-the-go. Are you willing to sacrifice your entire fortune for a chance to get your hands on one?