# Ayaneo Pocket Air Review: A Retro-Inspired Android Gaming Handheld
The Ayaneo Pocket Air signifies the company’s initial venture into the Android gaming handheld arena after years dedicated to Windows-based systems. With a streamlined design, nostalgic color palette, and a plethora of features, the Pocket Air is an intriguing newcomer to the expanding landscape of portable gaming. But how does it compare to its rivals, and is it worthy of your investment? Let’s explore the specifics.
## Ayaneo Pocket Air: Price and Availability
The Ayaneo Pocket Air was officially unveiled in September 2023, after an announcement in August. Initially launched via an Indiegogo campaign, the handheld is now available for direct purchase from Ayaneo’s official website. The device is offered in various configurations:
– **6GB RAM / 128GB storage**: $299
– **8GB RAM / 256GB storage**: Sold out
– **12GB RAM / 512GB storage**: $399
While the mid-range model is currently out of stock, the premium 12GB/512GB version remains an option for those desiring enhanced storage and performance.
## What I Appreciate About the Ayaneo Pocket Air
### 1. **Stylish and Comfortable Design**
The Pocket Air boasts a stylish and ergonomic design, featuring slight protrusions on the sides for a comfortable hold. While it may not emulate the bulkier ergonomics of the Steam Deck or Lenovo Legion Go, it provides a more polished and portable experience. The retro-inspired color theme, reminiscent of the Game Boy DMG and NES, invokes a sense of nostalgia that many gamers will cherish.
### 2. **OLED Display**
A standout characteristic of the Pocket Air is its 5.5-inch OLED display. The rich colors and deep blacks offer a visually stunning gaming experience. With a resolution of 1920×1080 and a refresh rate of 60Hz, games appear crisp and fluid, though a higher refresh rate would be welcome.
### 3. **Expandable Storage and LTE Connectivity**
The Pocket Air features a microSD card slot, allowing users to extend their storage for games. Moreover, it has the capability to accommodate a SIM card, enabling LTE connectivity. This feature is a transformative addition for those wanting to game on the move without depending on Wi-Fi.
### 4. **Fingerprint Scanner**
The power button also serves as a fingerprint scanner, providing quick and secure access to the device. This small but helpful feature enhances the overall user experience.
### 5. **Impressive Battery Life**
Equipped with a 7,350mAh battery, the Pocket Air ensures remarkable battery longevity, allowing for extended gaming sessions without the constant worry of needing to charge.
## What I Dislike About the Ayaneo Pocket Air
### 1. **Performance in High-End Emulation is Inconsistent**
While the MediaTek Dimensity 1200 processor manages most retro titles and some lighter PlayStation 2, GameCube, and Switch games, it falters with more resource-intensive options. Higher-end emulation, especially for newer Switch games, can vary in performance, and the absence of third-party driver support for MediaTek chips further hampers capabilities.
### 2. **Software Shortcomings**
The proprietary AyaSpace launcher of the Pocket Air is functional but lacks the refinement of other gaming interfaces. Even though recent updates have enhanced the experience, including on-screen control remapping, the launcher still feels somewhat clunky. Fortunately, alternatives such as ES-DE, Beacon, and Daijisho exist to improve the experience.
### 3. **Lackluster D-Pad Response**
The D-Pad on the Pocket Air tends to be overly soft and less responsive, which can be annoying during fast-paced games like Tetris or Apotris. While this is a minor concern, it could affect your gaming experience, especially in precision-driven titles.
### 4. **Constrained Refresh Rate**
The OLED display is limited to 60Hz, which suffices for most games but feels restrictive compared to other devices sporting higher refresh rates. A 90Hz option would have been a beneficial enhancement, particularly for a device marketed at gamers.
## The Competition
The Ayaneo Pocket Air contends with tough competition in the Android gaming handheld space. Key competitors include:
– **AYN Odin 2 and Odin 2 Mini**: Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, these options provide superior performance and better driver support for emulation. However, they do not have the OLED display that the Pocket Air offers, giving Ayaneo an advantage in visual quality.
– **Ayaneo Pocket S**: Another entry from Ayaneo, the Pocket S is driven by the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 and features a more premium design. Nevertheless, it comes at a higher price point starting at $589, making the Pocket Air a more budget-friendly alternative.
– **Razer Edge**: The R
