Ayaneo Pocket DMG: Classic GameBoy-Style Handheld Launches Crowdfunding from $339

Ayaneo is making waves once again with its new Ayaneo Pocket DMG, which recently hit IndieGogo. This handheld gaming device, reminiscent of the classic GameBoy design, is fitted with a Qualcomm Snapdragon G3X Gen 2 chip and sports a vibrant OLED screen. What’s piquing gamers’ interest is the balanced mix of nostalgia and modern technology it offers. Early backers can snag the entry-level model, featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, for just $339. Feeling like splurging a bit? Then there’s the premium version at $499, which boasts 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. There’s even a special “Retro Color” edition available for early adopters at $589.

Now, let’s talk about performance. With its Snapdragon chip, this device isn’t just for show. It’s capable of providing top-tier mobile gaming experiences, managing to run popular games like Genshin Impact smoothly at 60 FPS. It also handles emulation up to the GameCube and PlayStation 2 eras without a hitch—and yes, even at higher resolutions. However, if you’re not already adding this to an existing PC handheld setup, the Steam Deck might offer more gaming options for less money with its LCD.

Aside from pricing and core specifications, the Ayaneo Pocket DMG stands out with its smart design features. It includes hidden trigger buttons nestled between the shoulder buttons, optional motion controls, and a responsive touchpad—all of which ensure you have the controls you need for modern gaming. With these inputs, you can easily stream content from your PC. The analog stick might be small, but it’s built with hall-effect technology, reducing the risk of annoying drift problems over time.

A high-quality display on a handheld is usually a game-changer, and while some might think an OLED panel is excessive for the Pocket DMG’s size, it’s crucial to remember the precedence set by other premium devices like the Analogue Pocket. That one goes for a sharp 1440p LCD, but Ayaneo opts for a 3.92-inch OLED with a resolution of 1,240 x 1,080, offering over 100% NTSC color gamut and brightness up to 450 nits. Thanks to the fast response times of OLEDs, this setup optimizes retro gaming, though it’s not positioned to rival the more powerful Steam Deck OLED for AAA titles.

For enthusiasts of emulation and Android gaming, the Ayaneo Pocket DMG positions itself strongly, offering a premium feel despite its compact size. While the higher-spec models with 12GB and 16GB of RAM might seem a bit over the top given it’s not a full-fledged PC, the demands of modern mobile games and emulation justify them. The entry-level model paired with an SD card seems like the smartest investment for budget-savvy gamers.

The Ayaneo Pocket DMG doesn’t skimp on connectivity either. It’s equipped with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, capable of moving data at impressive speeds up to 10 Gigabits, and supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3. The wired connectivity is decent enough for quick transfers of smaller games and files. More impressively, Wi-Fi 7’s ability to hit speeds up to 30 Gigabits per second makes it perfect for seamless streaming experiences like Steam Remote Play.

It’s important to remember that backing a crowdfunding project doesn’t assure you’ll get a finished product. Supporting a crowdfunded initiative is like making an investment; you believe in the project and wish to help it flourish. It’s not the same as buying a ready-for-sale item.