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| Pricing for the various configurations of the Ayaneo Pocket Vert |
The retro handheld market is buzzing, and Ayaneo is aiming squarely for the top shelf with its upcoming release. After teasing the community for weeks, the company has finally dropped concrete details about the Ayaneo Pocket Vert, a device that marries iconic Game Boy nostalgia with shockingly modern internals. While the launch is imminent, the revealed pricing strategy tells a story of early birds catching a significant worm.
A Limited-Time Pricing Window
For dedicated fans who have been following the project closely, there's good news. Ayaneo recently announced that early backers will have access to the Pocket Vert at a compelling introductory price. The base model, featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, will be available for $269. For those wanting the ultimate configuration, the top-tier 12GB + 256GB "Lava Red" edition is priced at $369.
However, this window won't stay open forever. Ayaneo has confirmed that once the device hits general retail, all models will see a $100 price increase. This means the base model will jump to $339, and the flagship Lava Red variant will command $439. This move creates a clear incentive for early adoption and positions the Pocket Vert as a premium contender in the competitive retro emulation space.
For the official announcement and full details straight from the source, you can read Ayaneo's launch article here.
Classic Design, Cutting-Edge Display
True to its inspiration, the Pocket Vert embraces the beloved vertical "Game Boy" form factor. But don't let the classic looks fool you—it’s packing a stunning screen. The device features a 3.5-inch IPS LCD with a razor-sharp resolution of 1600 x 1440, resulting in an incredible 615 pixels per inch. With a peak brightness of 450 nits, this display is built to make pixel-based classics and more modern games look exceptionally crisp, even if it sticks to a standard 60 Hz refresh rate.
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| The Ayaneo Pocket Vert comes in 3 unique colors |
Power Under the Hood: Snapdragon Muscle
What truly enables the Pocket Vert's retro prowess is its chipset. Ayaneo has equipped it with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, paired with the Adreno 730 GPU. This is the same silicon that powered flagship Android phones just a couple of years ago, offering more than enough performance to handle demanding emulation up to PlayStation 2, GameCube, and even some PlayStation Portable titles with ease.
Buyers will have three configurations to choose from:
- 8GB LPDDR5 RAM + 128GB UFS 3.1 Storage
- 12GB LPDDR5 RAM + 128GB UFS 3.1 Storage
- 12GB LPDDR5 RAM + 256GB UFS 3.1 Storage (Exclusive Lava Red color)
Thankfully, storage is expandable via a microSD card slot for those growing game libraries.
The "Invisible" Game-Changer and Premium Features
Beyond the raw specs, Ayaneo is introducing a unique innovation meant to enhance usability: an invisible touchpad. Located discreetly below the directional pad and face buttons, this touch-sensitive area could revolutionize menu navigation and mouse-controlled games without breaking the classic aesthetic.
The list of premium features is extensive:
- A substantial 6,000 mAh battery for extended play sessions.
- Active cooling to maintain performance.
- Stereo speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2.
- A versatile USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port.
- A 9-axis gyroscope for motion-controlled games.
- Haptic feedback and a fingerprint sensor for security.
- A dedicated MagicSwitch for quick settings access.
All this is housed in a premium metal body with a glass front, measuring 86.4mm x 143mm x 20.5mm and weighing 318 grams—a solid, quality feel in hand.
Colorways and Accessories
The Ayaneo Pocket Vert will launch in three color options: classic Black, clean White, and the exclusive Lava Red reserved for the top-tier model. Ayaneo also revealed a lineup of accessories, including a leather and TPU case, a prop-up stand, and screen protectors, allowing users to customize and protect their device.
As the retro handheld field grows increasingly crowded, the Ayaneo Pocket Vert makes a strong argument for itself by combining a beloved design, flagship-level performance, and a suite of high-end features typically reserved for more expensive devices. The early-bird pricing offers a fantastic value, but even at retail, it establishes itself as a premium option for the discerning retro enthusiast.
Check availability for Ayaneo handhelds and accessories on Amazon here.