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| A render of the AYANEO KONKR Pocket FIT |
For years, Ayaneo has been a darling in the tight-knit world of retro gaming handhelds. Known for pushing the envelope with unique designs and surprising power in portable form factors, the company cultivated a dedicated, almost cult-like following. But in a dramatic shift, that very community is now leading a vocal revolt. The reason? A growing wave of frustration over delayed crowdfunding orders, missing devices, and a feeling that early backers have been left behind.
The Crowdfunding Conundrum: Backers Feel Betrayed
Ayaneo’s business model has heavily relied on platforms like Indiegogo to launch and fund its ambitious projects. While this approach has fueled their rapid pace of innovation, it’s now at the center of a firestorm. A persistent complaint from international backers is that shipments are delayed for months, while the very same devices mysteriously appear for immediate sale on third-party retail sites like AliExpress.
This discrepancy has sparked outrage, transforming excitement into accusation. Critics describe a cycle of “promises and excuses” from the company, leaving backers feeling like an afterthought. The sentiment has grown so strong that prominent voices in the community are speaking out.
Recently, popular YouTuber Zu Reviews from Retro Handhelds posted a video titled “I’m Done with Ayaneo – Here’s Why,” capturing the community's exasperation. In it, he details the ongoing delays for devices like the Pocket Fit and Pocket AIR Mini.
Watch Zu Reviews' full breakdown of the situation here.
A Closer Look at the Delayed Devices
The controversy seems inextricably linked to Ayaneo's blistering release schedule. In 2025 alone, the company announced a staggering 20 new devices, showcasing what it called its "wealth of production capabilities." Yet, for backers who funded these projects, the reality has been a waiting game.
Take the Pocket AIR Mini, a 4:3 aspect ratio handheld designed for retro purists. Supporters of its Indiegogo campaign have taken to forums to voice their frustrations, citing poor communication and extended delays.
The Reddit community for handheld emulation is buzzing with cancellations and concerns.
The irony is palpable: while backers wait, the Pocket AIR Mini can be readily purchased from other sellers. One such listing can be found here.
Ayaneo’s Defense: Blaming Scalpers and Logistics
When pressed on these issues, Ayaneo has pointed to external factors. Initially, the company cited changes in Indiegogo’s policies for international shipping holdups. When questioned why non-backers might get devices first, Ayaneo’s response shifted to blaming scalpers.
In a recent official update on the Indiegogo campaign page for the Pocket Fit, the company doubled down on this explanation. Ayaneo listed the primary reasons for delays as:
- Unauthorized resale by scalpers.
- Limited stock shipped to authorized distributors.
- Miscellaneous logistical issues.
You can read Ayaneo's full official statement on the Indiegogo update page.
The company asserts that it prioritizes Indiegogo orders and claims that orders for the Pocket AIR Mini have "essentially been fulfilled," with only about 180 backers left due to address issues. For the Pocket Fit G3, Ayaneo states that 1,193 units have shipped and the remaining 493 will be delivered by the end of January 2026.
Community Backlash: Is It Really Just Scalpers?
For many in the retro gaming community, Ayaneo’s explanations ring hollow. Skeptics argue the company is deflecting blame from what they see as core issues: internal mismanagement and over-announcing products without the logistical backbone to support clear delivery timelines.
The perception is that an aggressive marketing and release calendar has overwhelmed their supply chain and customer service, with crowdfunding backers bearing the brunt of the fallout. This has led to a crisis of trust, with fans warning new buyers to be cautious.
Looking for a retro handheld you can get right away? Check availability of the Ayaneo Pocket Ace on Amazon.
The Bottom Line for Gamers
Ayaneo finds itself at a crossroads. Its ability to create compelling hardware is undeniable, but its reputation for honoring its earliest and most loyal supporters is now severely tarnished. The company’s path forward will require more than just blaming external forces; it will need transparent communication, realistic scheduling, and a demonstrable refocus on fulfilling promises to its crowdfunding community.
For now, the retro gaming scene watches and waits, hoping the company that built its name on passion can navigate its way back into the community's good graces.