After struggling with delays and speed bumps in manufacturing, Ayaneo’s brand-new Pocket S Mini Android handheld comes as a surprise announcement, with a promise that it will not be delayed.
Ayaneo seems to have no issue developing and launching devices, but the company admits customers have struggled with the manufacturing and distribution project. Most devices have used the crowdfunding model, and while the company maintains a track record of trustworthiness, timely follow-through has been an issue.
That’s why the Pocket S Mini’s release is such a surprise. The Ayaneo Pocket S Mini is an Android handheld that really plays into the retro design ideology, especially with the more expensive colorway. The 4:3 display plays into that beloved form factor the PSP and Nintendo Switch cater to, making it a proven design choice.
The display itself is powered by a 1280 x 960 LCD panel that spans 4.2 inches corner to corner. Around the sides are physical buttons in a configuration that sits both joysticks at the bottom. Above those are a directional pad and a four-button layout. Ayaneo says the joysticks feature hall-effect tech for greater precision, and the entire Pocket S Mini frame is CNC-machined.
Being an Android handheld means the device needs to run on a familiar OS. Like other Ayaneo products, the Pocket S Mini brings a familiar custom software built on Android. The OS is built to run on a Snapodragon G3x Gen 2, with 8GB, 12GB, or 16GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage.
The high-end 16GB/512GB RAM variant offers more vibrant colors that emulate the NES. Otherwise, users have access to Ice Soul White or Obsidian Black.
Unlike some of the company’s previous releases, the Pocket S Mini isn’t going the crowd-funded route. Instead, the company has chosen to make it available right from its website. Ayaneo notes that this is part of the company’s new initiative, with simultaneous release in international and Chinese markets and guaranteed shipping timelines.
The Android handheld starts at $319 with early-bird pricing, though it’ll retail for $399 after the pre-order period is through.
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