Following the premium pricing of its predecessor, AYANEO has unveiled the Pocket VERT, a new Android-powered retro handheld that aims to deliver a luxurious experience at a significantly lower cost. The device is now available for pre-order, marking a strategic shift for the company as it seeks to capture a broader audience of retro gaming enthusiasts.
A Strategic Price Correction
The launch of the Pocket VERT represents a clear response from AYANEO to market feedback. Its predecessor, the Pocket DMG, was met with enthusiasm for its design but criticism for its USD 449 price tag, which many found prohibitive for a dedicated retro device. Learning from this, the company has positioned the Pocket VERT with an aggressive early-bird price of USD 269 on its Indiegogo campaign, with a planned retail price of USD 339. This substantial price reduction is the headline feature, designed to make the premium handheld segment more accessible.
Pricing & Configurations:
| Configuration | Early-bird Price (Indiegogo) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8GB + 128GB | USD 269 | Base model (Black/White) |
| 12GB + 256GB | USD 349 | High-tier model (Black/White) |
| 12GB + 256GB (Lava Red) | USD 369 | Premium color option |
| Planned retail price is USD 339. |
Premium Build with Calculated Compromises
To achieve this new price point, AYANEO made specific hardware trade-offs without sacrificing the overall premium feel. The most notable change is the display; the Pocket DMG's OLED panel has been replaced with a high-resolution 3.5-inch LCD screen. However, this is no ordinary screen—it boasts a 1600x1440 resolution, identical to the acclaimed Analogue Pocket, which allows for perfect integer scaling of classic Game Boy titles. The device retains a full-metal CNC-machined body with an integrated glass front, diamond-cut shoulder buttons, and tactile, unmarked face buttons, ensuring it still feels like a high-end product in hand.
Key Specifications of the AYANEO Pocket VERT:
- SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
- Display: 3.5-inch LCD, 1600 x 1440 resolution
- Body: Full-metal CNC, integrated glass panel
- Cooling: Active air-cooling system
- Battery: 6000mAh
- Unique Feature: Hidden "MagicTouch" dual-mode touchpad
- Other: Fingerprint sensor (in power button), headphone jack, diamond-cut shoulder buttons
Power and Hidden Features
At its core, the Pocket VERT is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 mobile platform. This chip provides ample performance for emulating a vast range of consoles, from 8-bit classics up to the GameCube and PlayStation 2 eras. It is supported by an active air-cooling system to maintain performance during extended play sessions. A unique and innovative feature is the "MagicTouch" hidden touchpad. This large, invisible panel on the device's front can function as a single touchpad for mouse input or be split into two zones for dual-stick control in more modern games, adding significant versatility.
Comparison with Predecessor (Pocket DMG): The primary change to achieve a lower cost was swapping the OLED display for a high-resolution LCD. The core premium design elements (metal body, glass front, button quality) and the powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip have been retained.
Specifications and Availability
The handheld is equipped with a substantial 6000mAh battery for longevity and includes a fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button. It launches in multiple configurations: a base model with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage at the USD 269 early-bird price, and a higher-tier model with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage starting at USD 349. A special "Lava Red" colorway commands a premium. AYANEO estimates shipments will begin in early February 2026, ahead of the Chinese New Year holiday in China, though the company has a history of missing deadlines, so this date should be viewed as tentative. For those who were intrigued by the Pocket DMG but deterred by its cost, the Pocket VERT presents a compelling and more financially sensible alternative.