AYANEO has opened pre-orders for its latest handheld, the Pocket ACE, ahead of its launch next month. This highly anticipated device is powered by the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2, making it arguably the most powerful 4.5-inch gaming handheld on the market. Pre-orders can be made through their Indiegogo campaign, with prices starting at approximately $343 for the base model featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Despite challenging market conditions, AYANEO is moving forward with its release.
The Pocket ACE features a compact 4.5-inch IPS display that boasts a resolution of 1620 x 1080. Its borderless design enhances the visual experience, reminiscent of previous models like the Pocket S and Pocket Micro. Retro gamers will find this device especially appealing due to its 3:2 aspect ratio, which offers an ideal balance between the 4:3 of classic consoles and 16:9 of modern games, minimizing black bars and ensuring a fuller display. The Pocket ACE also stands out for its impressive specifications.
Although it doesn’t include the upcoming Snapdragon G3 Gen 3, the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 is a powerful alternative, being an overclocked version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. This chip is recognized in the gaming community for its compatibility with custom drivers and emulators. The device comes in four configurations, starting from the basic 8GB/128GB model to the top-of-the-line Pocket ACE Retro Power Edition with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of expandable storage. Battery life is another strong point for this handheld, equipped with a 6,000mAh battery and supporting active cooling and 40W PD charging.
Although AYANEO hasn’t specified the expected battery life, it is anticipated to last several days on a single charge. Pricing during the Indiegogo campaign lists the base model at $339, with increases after the campaign ends. The 12GB/256GB variant presents the best value, offering a $120 savings for early backers. Shipping is expected to start next month, just in time for gamers to enjoy this impressive new device.