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

The Ayaneo Pocket DMG has made its debut on IndieGogo, offering gaming enthusiasts a handheld device styled after the GameBoy but powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon G3X Gen 2 chip. At its Early Bird price, the entry-level model comes in at just $339 USD with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. For those looking for a bit more power, you can grab the high-end version with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage for $499, while the Limited Edition “Retro Color” version is available for $589.

At this price, the Snapdragon chip inside ensures a solid gaming experience. It can handle demanding mobile games like Genshin Impact at a smooth 60 FPS and emulate classics from consoles such as the GameCube and PlayStation 2 with higher resolutions without a hitch. Now, if you’re considering Valve’s Steam Deck, it will play a wider range of games at a lower cost, especially if you’re using it to complement an existing PC setup.

One of the most exciting features of the Ayaneo Pocket DMG is its surprising array of functions given its price and size. It’s equipped with hidden trigger buttons, configurable motion controls, and a right touchpad, providing you all the control you need for modern games, particularly when streaming from your PC to the device. The small analog stick is hall-effect, which means it’s designed to resist the common issue of drift over time.

Some may argue that an OLED screen on such a compact device is a bit much, but let’s not forget that high-end alternatives, like the Analogue Pocket, are also opting for high-quality displays, albeit with a 1440p LCD instead. The Ayaneo Pocket DMG comes with a 3.92-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1,240 x 1,080, showcasing an impressive 104% NTSC color range and up to 450 nits of brightness. The low input latency associated with OLED should make it a favorite for retro gaming, despite not being a match for the Steam Deck OLED or more powerful PC handhelds for AAA titles.

For those who are into emulation and Android gaming, the Ayaneo Pocket DMG appears to be a strong and somewhat luxurious option. While the 12GB and 16GB RAM versions might seem excessive since this isn’t a full-on PC handheld, the reality is that modern mobile games and emulation can be quite demanding. If you’re looking for the best deal, starting with the entry-level model and adding an SD card might be the way to go.

Last but not least, the Ayaneo Pocket DMG includes USB 3.2 Gen 2 through a Type-C port, offering up to 10 Gigabits per second, alongside Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 support. While the wired connections might not be groundbreaking, they’re sufficient for transferring smaller games and other files. The Wi-Fi 7 with its 30 Gigabits per second capability is impressive, especially for features like Steam Remote Play.

Just keep in mind that joining a crowdfunding campaign doesn’t guarantee you’ll receive a finished product. By backing a project like this, you’re essentially investing because you believe in its potential, rather than purchasing a finished retail item.