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

Ayaneo has introduced the Ayaneo Pocket DMG on IndieGogo. This new handheld device, reminiscent of the classic GameBoy, features Qualcomm’s Snapdragon G3X Gen 2 chip and a vivid OLED display. There’s an attractive Early Bird price starting at $339 USD for the basic model, which offers 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. For those seeking more power and storage, the high-end version comes in at $499 with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, while the Limited Edition “Retro Color” is tagged at $589 in early offers.

In terms of performance, the Snapdragon chip easily handles top-tier mobile games. It’s powerful enough to run titles like Genshin Impact at a steady 60 FPS. It can also emulate older consoles, such as the GameCube and PlayStation 2, without stutter, even at higher settings. Comparatively, Valve’s Steam Deck, with its LCD, covers a broader range of games and is more cost-effective if paired with an existing PC.

The Ayaneo Pocket DMG isn’t just about high performance. Despite its sleek design, it’s loaded with features. It includes hidden trigger buttons, additional motion controls, and a right-side touchpad, letting you comfortably stream games from your PC. The hall-effect analog stick is another nice touch, reducing the risk of drift over time.

Some might find an OLED screen unnecessary for its size, but let’s not forget that top-tier devices like the Analogue Pocket also showcase high-resolution screens. The Ayaneo Pocket DMG’s 3.92-inch OLED boasts a 1,240 x 1,080 resolution, covers an estimated 104% of the NTSC color spectrum, and reaches up to 450 nits of brightness. With its OLED’s quick response, this handheld offers an optimal retro gaming experience, although it won’t replace more powerful gaming devices for AAA titles.

For those interested in emulation and Android gaming, this device stands out. While the models with 12GB and 16GB of RAM might seem excessive, intense mobile games and emulation can be demanding. For great value, consider the entry-level model and upgrade with an SD card when needed.

Moreover, the device supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 through a Type-C port, offering up to 10 Gigabits per second transfer speeds, alongside Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 capabilities. While the wired links aren’t groundbreaking, they suffice for transferring smaller games and files. The Wi-Fi 7 support, reaching up to 30 Gigabits per second, is particularly advantageous for streaming via services like Steam Remote Play.

Keep in mind that supporting a crowdfunding initiative is not the same as making a direct purchase. It’s more like placing an investment in the project’s potential to succeed, with the understanding that the journey to a final product isn’t assured.