AYANEO Pocket AIR Review: A Gorgeous Retro Gaming Handheld

The AYANEO Pocket AIR, provided by AYANEO for review, has made quite an impression. As the company’s first Android device, it combines portability, powerful performance, and impressive emulation capabilities. Let’s dive into the details and see why this handheld is worth considering.

Models, Specs, and Prices

The AYANEO Pocket AIR comes in three models, each with different RAM and storage configurations:

• 6GB RAM + 128GB SSD: $299
• 8GB RAM + 256GB SSD: $379
• 12GB RAM + 512GB SSD: $459

All models feature a MediaTek Dimensity 1200 processor, a 5.5-inch AMOLED screen, and a 7,350mAh battery. The OLED display covers 100% sRGB, 96% Adobe RGB, and 99% DCI-P3 gamut, providing vibrant visuals.

Design and Weight

Despite its small size (224 x 89.5 x 17mm), the Pocket AIR is remarkably comfortable to hold. The lightweight design (around 380g) ensures extended gaming sessions without discomfort.

The OLED Screen

The 5.5-inch OLED screen delivers stunning colors and true blacks. While the bezels are noticeable, they don’t hinder gameplay.

Navigation and AYAHome

The Pocket AIR runs on Android, making navigation familiar for Android phone users. AYAHome, the pre-installed launcher, offers basic management features. However, it lacks organization options and virtual controller mapping.

Gaming Performance

Google Play store games perform admirably, especially those with controller support. Emulation is where the Pocket AIR shines. It handles NES, SNES, MAME, GBA, GB, PS1, and Dreamcast games smoothly. Gamecube, PS2, and 3DS games also run well, although some PS2 titles may require native resolution scaling. Unfortunately, Switch games struggle due to hardware limitations.

Heat and Battery

The device remains cool during gameplay, and the battery life is impressive. Expect around 3-4 hours for demanding games or heavy emulation, and even longer for retro titles.

Conclusion

The AYANEO Pocket AIR surprises with its comfort, OLED screen, and emulation capabilities. While it falls short in consistent Switch emulation and organization features, its colorful experience and $299 price tag make it a compelling choice.

AYANEO Pocket AIR

Pros:

• Colorful, vibrant OLED screen
• Extremely light and comfortable to hold
• Great power for playing PS2 games and older
• Impressive battery life
• Highly portable

Cons:

• Inconsistent Switch emulation
• Some PS2 games may require lower resolution
• AYAHome / AYASpace lacks key organization features