AYANEO has introduced its newest handheld — the Pocket S —a tool that runs on Android and is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 platform. AYANEO says it’s positioning this as a premium flagship product constructed for “discerning gamers who search uncompromising high quality.” Whereas it might seem like it, this isn’t destined to be a competitor to the likes of the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, or MSI Claw. As an alternative, it focuses on being essentially the most highly effective and premium selection for cellular gaming.
The Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 is an efficient begin. However the “premium flagship” comes via in different areas. Particularly with using a CNC-milled full-metal mid-frame to assist preserve it skinny and lightweight, but sturdy. What’s extra, is that the physique has a matte end on it so you’ll be able to keep away from the vast majority of these pesky fingerprints. Which might little question present up simply on the black colorway. AYANEO may also provide the Pocket S in White when it launches later this 12 months.
Talking of the launch, the Pocket S is presently going via a pre-launch marketing campaign on IndieGoGo. AYANEO additionally plans for the complete launch occasion to occur in April although. That is when it’s best to count on to have the ability to pay for the system. AYANEO hasn’t introduced pricing but, nonetheless. That being stated, this isn’t AYANEO’s first handheld. Neither is it the corporate’s first Android handheld. The Pocket Air, one other system it gives that runs on Android, begins at $299. However it could go as much as effectively over $400 for those who get the 16GB/512GB mannequin.
Contemplating these costs, and its positioning as a extra high-end handheld, the Pocket S might include a better beginning price. AYANEO can also be launching it with as much as 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage for essentially the most high-end mannequin.
The AYANEO Pocket S may have an ergonomic case for a extra snug grip
The issue typically with these skinny and lightweight handhelds is that there’s not a lot grip to them. That’s to not say they’re straightforward to carry and it’s best to count on to drop them. Simply that by way of consolation or ergonomics, there’s not quite a bit there. So that you usually find yourself holding the system in a sure manner that results in cramps or discomfort after longer recreation classes. AYANEO appears to have considered this forward of time and plans to supply an ergonomic grip case for extra consolation.
It not solely serves as a protecting barrier from dings, however it truly provides extra outlined grips to the again in your fingers to carry onto. Whereas I really like my Nintendo Change OLED, I can attest to how uncomfortable it will get after taking part in on it for just a few hours. However that isn’t the case as soon as I slap on one thing with ergonomics. The case seems to be included with the unit based mostly on AYANEO’s press launch. However it’s additionally attainable this may occasionally simply be included as a part of an early fowl profit for many who pre-order earlier than a sure time.
Tuned for high-end Android gaming
Increasingly more video games on Android are popping out with some spectacular graphics you’d by no means count on an Android system to ship. And extra of those video games are additionally popping out with controller help. You possibly can consider the Pocket S as a method to play these video games with high-end graphics. All with a built-in controller setup and a bigger show than you’d get on some telephones. The Pocket S was tuned for high-end cellular gaming. And as such, comes with some beefy specs for a handheld.
It may well include as much as 16GB of RAM and as much as 1TB of storage. Nonetheless, AYANEO will most actually provide different configurations with much less of every. It additionally includes a 1440p IPS mirror show. The show is 6 inches in measurement, and has a peak world brightness of 400 nits. The Pocket S has vibration help too, and hall-effect joysticks to assist stop stick drift points down the highway. In case you’re into Android gaming and also you wouldn’t thoughts a devoted handheld for it, preserve your eye on this one.