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

Ayaneo is making waves with its latest launch on IndieGogo, where it’s crowdfunding the Ayaneo Pocket DMG. This GameBoy-inspired handheld, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon G3X Gen 2, comes with an OLED display and is available at an Early Bird price. You can snag the entry-level model, sporting 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, for just $339 USD. If you’re aiming for the upper tiers, there’s a version with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage at $499. Plus, a “Retro Color” Limited Edition is up for grabs at an Early Bird price of $589.

Priced competitively, the Pocket DMG packs quite a punch with its Snapdragon chip. It’s more than capable of delivering a top-notch mobile gaming experience. It handles games like Genshin Impact smoothly at 60 FPS and can emulate consoles up to the GameCube and PlayStation 2, even at enhanced resolutions. However, it’s worth noting that the Steam Deck’s LCD option offers a broader range of games, especially if you’re not supplementing it as a PC handheld.

On the surface, and even deeper, this handheld impresses with its features relative to its price and build quality. Along with the concealed trigger buttons, coastline shoulder buttons, and optional motion controls, you’re covered in terms of input essentials for modern gaming. The right touchpad enhances the experience, especially when steaming games from your PC to this device. Its small analog stick features hall-effect technology, meaning it should withstand wear and tear without developing drift over time.

Some might argue that an OLED display on such a compact screen size is excessive, yet it follows a trend seen in high-end devices like the Analogue Pocket, which opts for a 1440p LCD. The Ayaneo Pocket DMG sports a 3.92-inch OLED screen with a resolution of 1,240 x 1,080 and an estimated 104% NTSC color gamut reaching up to 450 nits in brightness. Thanks to OLED’s low input latency, it’s set to be an excellent companion for retro gaming, though not a rival to more robust gaming devices like the Steam Deck OLED for AAA titles.

In terms of handling emulation and Android gaming, the Ayaneo Pocket DMG proves itself a worthy contender, maintaining a premium feel despite its compact size. While it offers models with 12GB and 16GB RAM (LPDDR5X, hitting speeds of up to 8,533 MT/s), these might seem overzealous since it’s not a full PC handheld. But with mobile games and emulation demands intensifying, investing in a device like this could be worthwhile — especially if you grab the entry-level model and later boost its storage with an SD card.

Lastly, the Ayaneo Pocket DMG stands out with its support for USB 3.2 Gen 2 via a Type-C port, offering up to 10 Gigabits throughput, alongside Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3. While its wired connectivity options may not dazzle, they suffice for transferring smaller games and files. But it’s the Wi-Fi 7 support — with a blazing 30 Gigabits per second — that’s fantastic for features like Steam Remote Play.

A word to the wise: remember that when you back a crowdfunded project, you’re investing in its potential success rather than purchasing a finished product. Supporting such projects involves a leap of faith in the creators’ vision and execution.