For over a decade, the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play has stood as a unique, nostalgic footnote in mobile gaming history—a smartphone with a slide-out gamepad that arrived before its time. Now, handheld gaming specialist AYANEO is stepping in to fill that void with its first-ever smartphone, the Pocket PLAY, a device that directly channels the spirit of its iconic predecessor while aiming to meet the demands of modern mobile gamers.
A Direct Nod to Gaming History
The AYANEO Pocket PLAY's design is an unmistakable homage. Its core feature is a sliding mechanism that reveals a full game controller, instantly evoking memories of the 2011 Xperia Play. This layout includes a D-pad, four face buttons, and two "smart touchpads," a feature AYANEO also plans for its upcoming Pocket VERT handheld. The controller section is integrated with AYANEO's software suite, accessible via a dedicated button, and includes additional buttons for functions like an app menu. Four shoulder buttons (bumpers and triggers) are positioned on the top edge, completing the physical control scheme for a comprehensive gaming experience.
Announced Device: AYANEO Pocket PLAY Category: Gaming Smartphone Key Feature: Slide-out game controller (D-pad, face buttons, touchpads, 4 shoulder buttons) Design Colors: Black, White/Silver Cooling: Active cooling system suggested by side vents Launch Platform: Kickstarter (Campaign details TBA) Known Omissions (As of Dec 11, 2025): Chipset, display specs, battery capacity, camera specs, price, release date. Historical Inspiration: Sony Ericsson Xperia Play (2011)
A Modern Smartphone with a Gaming Focus
When closed, the Pocket PLAY presents a sleek, minimalist smartphone aesthetic. The renders show a device with two rear cameras in a flush housing, avoiding a camera bump, and a front-facing camera nestled in a thin top bezel. Notable hardware features include what appear to be top- and bottom-firing stereo speakers and, intriguingly, side vents that suggest the inclusion of an active cooling system—a rarity in smartphones that could significantly benefit sustained gaming performance. A potential design trade-off is the placement of the USB-C port on the bottom, which may make charging while gaming in landscape mode awkward.
Specifications and Launch Strategy Remain Under Wraps
As of the announcement on December 11, 2025, key details about the Pocket PLAY are still pending. AYANEO has not disclosed the chipset, display specifications, battery size, or camera details. However, CEO Arthur Zhang has previously hinted that it will not feature the absolute top-tier mobile processor, likely ruling out chips like the Snapdragon 8 Elite. The device will be offered in two colorways: a black model and a white/silver variant reminiscent of the PSP Go. In a shift from its usual platform, AYANEO will launch the Pocket PLAY via a Kickstarter campaign, with a pre-launch page already live to notify interested backers.
Positioning and Potential in the Market
The Pocket PLAY enters a niche but growing segment of dedicated gaming handhelds, positioning itself uniquely as a full-fledged smartphone. By reviving the sliding form factor, AYANEO is betting on a blend of retro appeal and modern functionality. Its success will likely hinge on the final price, the balance between gaming performance and daily smartphone usability, and the execution of its software integration. For gamers who have longed for a true successor to the Xperia Play, the AYANEO Pocket PLAY represents a compelling, if still mysterious, promise of a dedicated gaming device that also fits in your pocket as a phone.