Summary

Overall, this is an amazing device that can do nearly anything you throw at it. Incredible for retro games and also a really good docked experience.

Specs as Reviewed – Ayaneo Pocket DMG (Moon White, Early-Bird Edition)

• Model: Ayaneo Pocket DMG (Early-Bird Unit)
• Color: Moon White
• Screen: 3.92" OLED display, 1240 × 1080 pixels
• CPU: Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 (8-core ARM SoC, up to 3.36GHz)
• GPU: Adreno A32 @ 1000MHz
• Memory: 12GB LPDDR5X @ 8533Mbps
• Storage: 256GB UFS internal storage
• Operating System: Android 13
• Software: AYASpace front-end with AYAHome launcher
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3
• Motion Sensor: Six-axis gyroscope
• Vibration: X-axis linear motor
• Cooling: Active air cooling
• Ports & Expansion: 1× USB Type-C (USB 2.0 OTG), 1× microSD (SD 3.0)
• Biometrics: Power key with integrated fingerprint reader
• Battery: 6000mAh with 25W PD / QC fast charging
• Dimensions: 151 × 91.5 × 22.3 mm
• Weight: 279 g
• Available Colors: Moon White, Arctic Black, Retro Colour

Pricing

• 8GB RAM + 128GB storage — $339
• 12GB RAM + 256GB storage — $419 (reviewed configuration)
• 16GB RAM + 512GB storage — $499
• 16GB RAM + 1TB storage — $589

Design & Build Quality

Overall, the device feels hefty and pleasant to hold as there are not many sharp edges that dig into your hands. The fit and finish of the plastic parts is very good. However, some people did find the texture of the plastic to feel a little cheap. Additionally, devices in the past have had issues with small cracks in the shell. I contacted support and they were kind enough to send me a front housing to replace the cracked one. Inspecting them, it looks like the molds have been updated as the plastic where the cracks formed has been thickened and made stronger.

Controls & Ergonomics

Layout and controls: The D-pad is big and comfy with a soft membrane feel, which through my testing rarely hits accidental diagonals. The ABXY are membrane too, the size and spacing feel natural right away. They are in the switch layout where the A is on the right but you can switch this in the Ayaneo app. The left stick is small but it does the job and is a hall stick. It is especially good for PSP, which is the main use case. On the right there is a trackpad instead of a second stick. I usually map it as a right stick. Even though its very responsive once you get used to it,for FPS games or others that need precise inputs, it never feels as good as a real analog. Start and Select are placed sensibly on the right with the AYANEO button underneath them with customizable LED lighting. Pressing this opens the overlay that lets you control power profiles and a whole host of other settings without needing to directly open the Ayaneo app. There are a couple of extra buttons on each side that you can program through the AYANEO app, and a proper spinning volume wheel with satisfying detents that you can press in for a quick mute. The power button is on the right side of the device and doubles as a fingerprint reader for security. On the back, the L and R bumpers are large with a satisfying deep click, and instead of analog triggers there is a single bar between them that handles LT and RT as digital buttons. This is great for retro games, but not ideal for racers or anything that expects analog control.

Display & Audio

The screen: The DMG has a 3.92 inch OLED screen with a 1240x1080 resolution at 60hz. As this is an OLED, colours are vibrant and blacks are deep as possible. In my usage I have not noticed any tint to the panel either. The resolution of the screen is great for retro games but is also the right vertical resolution for playing more modern games too. The 419 PPI pixel density means that the individual pixels and clarity of games is incredible on this device. The aspect ratio is 8:7 meaning that it is almost a square. Consoles like the original Gameboy games look incredible on here with or without integer scaling. 4:3 games also look great with very minimal black bars. A benefit of the oled panel means that the black bars don't seem to be part of the screen as they are completely black. When it comes to 16:9 consoles, the black bars now become significant. This does not feel like a good way to play the consoles with this ratio however it is playable. I did find myself docking the device to a tv when I wanted to play 16:9 games with a Bluetooth controller.

Performance & Thermals

Power/SoC and Ram. The DMG has a Snapdragon G3x Gen 2. This is mostly overkill for a vertical console like this however it is powerful enough to play most things that you throw at it. Unusually for this size, it has active cooling. The fan is not excessively loud under normal use however it does get loud when in the maximum power profile. It does come in a few SKU's that change the amount of RAM and Storage. 8GB RAM + 128GB Storage - This will be good enough to play and store your entire library of retro games up until PSP era. You may run out of space depending on your library size. The 8gb ram will also emulate most things however you may start to reach the limit with the more graphics intensive console games. 12GB RAM + 256GB Storage - This will let you store most of your library again most likely including your entire PSP library. PS2 era games are bigger and you may hit the limit. The extra RAM will be useful for more intensive console games. 16GB RAM + 512GB (1TB for retro power SKU) - This is the most expensive SKU of the DMG. It will let you store your entire library internally. Additionally, with the extra RAM, it will be more capable for emulating PC games on the device. For storage, the DMG has a micro SD card slot so I did find myself storing all of my library on an SD card rather than internally.

Battery Life

Battery: The DMG has a 6000mah battery that is large for vertical handhelds. The battery life is very good and I have not found myself needing to charge it often unless really pushing the device. Expect around 8-9 hours of regular mixed play and 4 hours of intensive graphics gaming.

Software & UI

Modding & Accessories

Known Issues / Bugs

Final Thoughts

Overall, this is an amazing device that can do nearly anything you throw at it. Incredible for retro games and also a really good docked experience.

Credits & References

Official product page: [Ayaneo Pocket DS]

Testing and photography by: YesitsKira

Unit: Early-bird purchase, Moon White 12GB / 256GB configuration