In a move that blends nostalgia with modern mobile gaming, handheld PC specialist Ayaneo has officially unveiled its first smartphone. The Pocket Play, a device that immediately evokes memories of a classic gaming-centric handset, marks the company's ambitious entry into the competitive phone market. While full technical specifications and pricing remain under wraps, the design reveal has sparked considerable interest among enthusiasts looking for a dedicated gaming device that doesn't sacrifice portability.
A Nostalgic Design Reimagined for Modern Gaming
The most striking feature of the Ayaneo Pocket Play is its sliding-screen design, a direct homage to the iconic Sony Ericsson Xperia Play from 2011. This mechanism allows users to slide the display upward to reveal a full set of physical gaming controls hidden beneath. The control layout includes a D-pad on the left, ABXY face buttons on the right, and two circular touchpads in the center, reminiscent of the original Steam Controller. Completing the console-like experience are two pairs of shoulder buttons located on the rear of the device. This design choice is particularly timely, as Sony's patent on the sliding-screen mechanism expired in June 2025, opening the door for new devices like the Pocket Play to revisit this form factor.
Key Features of the Ayaneo Pocket Play:
- Form Factor: Sliding-screen smartphone.
- Controls: Revealed by sliding screen up; includes D-pad, ABXY buttons, two touchpad "joysticks," and two pairs of shoulder buttons.
- Software: Runs Android; features Ayaneo's signature button for AYASpace overlay (expected).
- Design: Dual rear cameras (specs unknown), flush with body. USB-C port, stereo speakers.
- Colors: Black or Silver.
- Status: Unveiled December 2025; Kickstarter campaign "coming soon"; price and full specs not yet announced.
- Context: Follows the expiration of Sony's sliding-screen patent in June 2025 and the release of the Anbernic RG Slide (USD 189 emulation handheld).
Ayaneo's Signature Software Integration
Beyond the hardware, the Pocket Play integrates Ayaneo's software ecosystem. On the front of the device is the company's signature button, which on its other handhelds opens the AYASpace overlay. This software hub typically allows users to adjust power limits (TDP), switch between performance profiles, and manage their game library. The inclusion of this button strongly suggests the Pocket Play will offer similar deep-level control over its performance, a feature cherished by power users and gamers who want to fine-tune their experience for optimal battery life or frame rates. Two additional front buttons are believed to be for an app menu and a picture-in-picture mode, further enhancing its utility as a multimedia device.
Anticipated Specifications and Market Context
While Ayaneo has been deliberately quiet on the Pocket Play's core specs, CEO Arthur Zhang has hinted that it will not feature the absolute top-tier mobile chipset available. This likely refers to forgoing the premium Snapdragon 8 Elite in favor of a still-powerful but more cost-effective processor, possibly similar to the Snapdragon chips used in its existing Ayaneo Pocket S handheld. The device is confirmed to run Android, positioning it as a gaming-focused smartphone rather than a Windows-based handheld PC. This means it will excel at native Android games and emulation but will not run PC titles natively. The phone features a USB-C port, stereo speakers, and a dual-camera setup on the back, noted for sitting flush with the body—a welcome detail in an era of prominent camera bumps.
Launch Strategy and Competitive Landscape
Ayaneo has launched a Kickstarter page for the Pocket Play, signaling a "coming soon" release but without a concrete date or price. The device will be available in black or silver. Its arrival follows another recent slider device, the Anbernic RG Slide, a USD 189 handheld dedicated solely to emulation. The Pocket Play aims to differentiate itself by being a fully-functional Android smartphone first, with integrated gaming controls as a standout feature. However, as a Kickstarter project from a company known for niche, premium devices, the final price is expected to be significantly higher than mainstream phones, raising questions about long-term software support and market viability.
A Calculated Gamble in a Niche Market
The unveiling of the Ayaneo Pocket Play represents a fascinating experiment. It taps into potent nostalgia while attempting to solve a modern problem: the desire for a truly pocketable device with built-in, high-quality controls for gaming. By opting for a sliding design instead of the more fragile foldable technology, Ayaneo may be offering a more durable alternative for gamers. The success of this venture will ultimately hinge on the final price, performance, and Ayaneo's commitment to supporting the device with software updates. For a segment of gamers tired of carrying a separate phone and handheld, or of attaching clunky controller clips, the Pocket Play could be the integrated solution they've been waiting for, provided the execution matches the intriguing premise.