Ayaneo Konkr Pocket Block Finally Launches: Specs, Price, and Where to Buy

The Konkr Pocket Block is significantly cheaper than the Ayaneo Pocket Vert.

After more than four months of waiting, Ayaneo’s Konkr Pocket Block has finally gone official. The compact Android handheld was first shown back in May during a product sharing session, and many of us expected a full launch soon after. That didn’t happen, though, because Ayaneo shifted its focus to another retro-inspired device: the Game Boy Advance-style Konkr Pocket Advance. Now, the Konkr Pocket Block is available to buy, and it’s clearly aimed at gamers who want a tiny vertical handheld without spending a fortune.

Ayaneo Konkr Pocket Block Specs and Design

Ayaneo calls the Konkr Pocket Block a “premium vertical pocket Android handheld,” which is a bit of an eyebrow-raiser. The Pocket Vert is really the more premium option in Ayaneo’s lineup, with a better build, stronger specs, and a much higher price. The Pocket Block, by contrast, keeps things budget-friendly.

The screen is a 3.33-inch LCD panel with a 960 × 720 resolution and a 4:3 aspect ratio. That’s the same retro-friendly shape used by devices like the Pocket Air Mini, which is currently listed on Amazon for $159.99. Powering the Konkr Pocket Block is MediaTek’s Helio G85 processor, the same chip found inside the GameMT PSK5000.

Ayaneo will sell the handheld in two configurations. The base model comes with 2GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 32GB of storage, while the step-up version gets 3GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 64GB of storage. There’s also a microSD card slot, so you can expand storage later if you need more room for games and apps.

Unlike the Konkr Pocket Advance, the Pocket Block doesn’t have a cooling fan. Instead, Ayaneo says it uses a heat spreader. That trade-off helps keep the device slimmer than rivals like the Retroid Pocket Classic, which is available on Amazon for around $145. The Pocket Block packs a 3,500mAh battery, a classic D-pad, ABXY buttons with a rubber membrane, shoulder buttons, and several customizable buttons.

Other features include Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 5, stereo speakers, an audio jack, a USB-C port for data transfer and PD charging, and a single linear motor. It runs Android 12 out of the box, with Ayaneo’s AYASpace, AYAHome launcher, and AYASetting pre-installed. You can check the full official Konkr Pocket Block product page here: Ayaneo Konkr Pocket Block.

Konkr Pocket Block Pricing and Availability

The Konkr Pocket Block comes in three colors: Cube Purple, Original Grey, and Atoms White, with the White model featuring a translucent design. Pricing starts at $89 for the 2GB RAM version and $109 for the 3GB RAM version. For a limited time, Ayaneo is offering a $10 early bird discount, which brings the price down to $79 or $99, depending on which configuration you choose. Shipping is expected to begin at the end of October.

In China, the handheld is even cheaper. The 2GB RAM + 32GB storage model is priced at CNY 499, which works out to roughly $74 or €65. The 3GB RAM + 64GB storage version is CNY 599, or about $89 or €78. Ayaneo says there’s no early bird discount for Chinese buyers because the device already costs less than the international version.

There are also two official accessories: an $8.9 HD tempered film and a $13.9 storage bag with a wrist strap. Like the handheld itself, they’re available directly from Ayaneo’s website. You can find the accessories here: Ayaneo accessories.

Is the Konkr Pocket Block Worth It?

At $79 during the early bird period, the Konkr Pocket Block is one of the more affordable Android handhelds you can buy right now. It won’t compete with premium devices when it comes to raw power, but for retro emulation, simple Android games, and everyday pocket carry, it could be a solid pick. If you want better specs and a more premium feel, the Pocket Vert or Pocket Advance may be worth the extra money. But if you’re on a budget and want a small vertical handheld, the Konkr Pocket Block is now ready to order.