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In recent years, the landscape of portable gaming has seen significant growth, particularly with the introduction of numerous devices designed for gaming on the move. The Steam Deck has certainly sparked interest in this market, but Android gaming handhelds have also emerged as compelling alternatives.
Among the innovators in this segment is Ayaneo, a company that has transitioned from making Windows-based handhelds to exploring the Android platform. Their latest product, the Pocket Air, represents a bold entry into the Android gaming space, boasting unique features and design elements.
Ayaneo Pocket Air: Price and Availability
Unveiled in August 2023 and officially launched in September, the Ayaneo Pocket Air began its journey through an Indiegogo campaign, which offered various configurations to early backers. Today, it is available for purchase directly from Ayaneo’s website.
The Pocket Air was initially released in three configurations, starting with a 6GB/128GB model priced at $299, while the top-tier option features 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, retailing for $399. The mid-tier 8GB/256GB variant has been in high demand and remains sold out, showcasing strong consumer interest.
Ayaneo Pocket Air: What I Like
The Pocket Air is not the first device of its kind, yet it manages to differentiate itself thanks to a vibrant 5.5-inch OLED display. The retro-inspired color scheme adds a nostalgic touch, appealing to gaming enthusiasts.
In terms of ergonomics, the design includes subtle bump-outs on either side, enhancing comfort during extended gaming sessions. While it may not rival the ergonomics offered by larger devices like the Steam Deck or Lenovo Legion Go, it certainly avoids the pitfalls seen in some other alternatives.
This handheld features a complete set of buttons, including two additional shortcut buttons located at the bottom right. The larger button quickly accesses a performance panel, allowing users to swiftly modify settings, while the smaller button returns to the proprietary AyaSpace launcher.
Among its noteworthy features, the power button includes a fingerprint scanner, enabling users to jump back into games efficiently without the need to enter a PIN or pattern.
Another clever design element is the hidden microSD card slot in the pull-out tray, which also accommodates a SIM card. This allows users to enjoy cloud gaming or online play without relying on Wi-Fi, a major advantage for gaming on the go.
Powering the Pocket Air is MediaTek’s Dimensity 1200 processor, capable of handling a wide range of titles, including those from earlier consoles like the PS2 and GameCube. While high-end Switch games may be challenging to emulate, it performs admirably with lighter titles and maintains a cool temperature thanks to an efficient cooling system.
Ayaneo Pocket Air: What I Don’t Like
Despite its capabilities, the Pocket Air falls short when it comes to emulating more demanding Switch titles due to the limitations of the Dimensity 1200 chipset. The absence of third-party driver support further restricts its potential.
While MediaTek processors are cost-effective, they often lack the community backing that Qualcomm chips enjoy, which can impede the development of custom drivers that unlock the full potential of the hardware.
Even as users likely won’t push the device to its limits, it’s worth recognizing that the refresh rate is capped at 60Hz—something that could diminish the gaming experience for those seeking a smoother play. A bump to a 90Hz refresh rate would have been a welcomed feature.
Initial software limitations also made it difficult to remap on-screen controls to the physical buttons, though updates have addressed these issues to some degree. However, the AyaSpace interface may not appeal to everyone, prompting users to seek out alternative launchers.
Another concern is the D-Pad’s performance, which some may find too soft, leading to imprecise inputs during fast-paced gameplay. This can be particularly frustrating in precision-based games where accuracy is paramount.
Ayaneo Pocket Air: The Competition
Ayaneo’s ambition to carve a niche in the Android gaming handheld market is evident with the launch of the Pocket Air, followed by announcements for the Pocket S and other models. However, at a similar price point, strong competition arises from devices like the AYN Odin 2 and Odin 2 Mini.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the Odin series offers enhanced performance and broader compatibility with emulators. However, the Pocket Air stands out with its OLED display, which many gamers may prioritize over raw power.
Introducing the Pocket S, which utilizes the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2, adds another layer to Ayaneo’s offerings. However, its premium features come with a starting price of $589, distinguishing it significantly from the Pocket Air.
Ayaneo Pocket Air: Should You Buy It?
You should buy this if:
- You’re seeking an effective entry-level Android gaming handheld.
- A vibrant OLED screen is essential for your gaming experience.
- You wish to avoid the higher price points of devices like the Steam Deck or ROG Ally X.
- LTE connectivity and expandable storage are important features for you.
You shouldn’t buy this if:
- You’re on a tight budget.
- Your priority is the most powerful Android gaming handheld available.
The Ayaneo Pocket Air showcases numerous strengths, including its superior OLED display and strong performance, especially for a $300 price tag. It also offers unique features like SIM card support for on-the-go gaming. While it may serve well as a foundational device for newcomers to Android gaming, players seeking top-tier performance might want to consider other, higher-end options.
Retro-inspired
The growing market for Android gaming handhelds finds a solid starting point in the Ayaneo Pocket Air, with its balance of performance, design, and versatility for $300.
Source
www.androidcentral.com