AYANEO had just kickstarted (pun intended) the launch of its long-anticipated Pocket S handheld gaming device. While already a long-time player within the field, mainstream competitors like Asus and MSI finally dipped their toes into the market with their own offerings. Thus, the handheld veteran responds with a worthy competitor, soon to be delivered as early as next month.
Overall Look and Design
The Pocket S went a step beyond the traditional handheld design of its predecessors, and chose an almost quasi-smartphone-like brick design. Think of the original OLED PS Vita, but made into a single solid shape. According to the promo images, its feel and anticipated heft make it look more premium than ever before. Compare that to the previous Pocket Air, which definitely still has the shape and contours of a traditional handheld console.
Official specs state that it measures just 213.9 x 85 x 14mm and weighs only 350g, making it somewhat equivalent to a Nintendo Switch Lite.
The Heart of the Dragon?
Under the hood, the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 powers the Pocket S, which is the latest generation SoC powering most flagship handheld gaming devices of the current generation. As previously claimed, this chipset is 30 percent more powerful than the G3x Gen 1, which by itself has already superseded all of the CPUs previously used in older Android-based handheld gaming devices.
With the obligatory 16GB RAM (12GB for the 128GB storage variant), VC thermal plate cooling, and a maximum continuous performance output of 15W, it should be able to do well enough on very graphics-heavy games using good settings and somewhat respectable frame rates. Early product testers, for example, were previously able to set Genshin Impact on High settings at 60 FPS when the console is tested on basic field areas.
Other Notable Specs
The Pocket S also features the much-touted 6-inch ultra-retina IPS borderless mirror screen, yet another big advertising point for the product, especially for the 1440p version. The screen is coupled with a CNC full-metal mid-frame, which is a supporting augment generally only used on flagship devices. On the frame itself, we also have the triple-mode vibration system and “Master all-around control system” to hone in on its build marketing appeal even further.
AYANEO also offers the typical AYAHome and AYASpace software to the Pocket S. Its usual optimization features include free layout customization, application sorting, hiding, wallpaper customization, and desktop folders, among other customizations.
Then there are also other specific perks, such as the option to provide X-Input (Xbox controls) externally, making the console function like an ordinary controller for other devices.
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A Two-Generation Leap
Compared to its (relative) predecessor, the AYANEO Pocket Air, the Pocket S represents a significant upgrade in terms of performance and features. The Pocket Air, released in September 2023, was powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1200, which is already 30 percent weaker than the older Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 (not Gen 2!), and featured a smaller 5.5-inch 1080p OLED screen.
The Pocket Air was generally advertised for retro gaming, less demanding Android titles, while cloud gaming heavier ones. Meanwhile, the Pocket S's two-generation SoC leap should open more demanding Android game options natively, without having to connect first to your PC or dedicated home console. (even though the option is still there)
Price, Availability, and Accessories
The Pocket S is currently available through its current Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign in two editions: the 1440P Advance Edition and the 1080P Edition. The 1440P Advance Edition starts at $439, while the 1080P Edition begins at $399. Shipments are scheduled to begin in mid-May for the 1440P Advance Edition and late June for the 1080P Edition. Color flavors come in either Obsidian Black or Ice Soul White.
For its accessories, AYANEO offers a range of protective cases and shells designed specifically for the Pocket S. These include an ultra-thin skin-feel protective shell and a two-in-one magnetic protective case, both heavily advertised to provide comprehensive protection and enhanced ergonomics.
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