Ayaneo, a well-known name in the world of handheld gaming consoles, has just unveiled their latest creation—the third-generation flagship device—with a unique spin: a modular controller design. According to details shared on their Indiegogo campaign page, the Ayaneo 3 introduces a Standard Module featuring classic joysticks, a D-pad, and ABXY buttons. For those looking for something different, there’s a Touchpad Module, which swaps out the joysticks for a touchpad, and a Fighting Module that replaces the right-side joystick and buttons with a six-button setup favored by fighting game enthusiasts.
What’s really exciting about this device is the ability to mix and match these modules to create a setup that perfectly suits your gaming style. With the option to install them upside down, you get a staggering 56 possible layout combinations. It’s a playground of customization for gamers, though we have some reservations about the motorized mechanism used to eject the modules. It could make swapping out controllers unnecessarily complex, but we’ll hold judgment until we see and test it ourselves.
Powering the Ayaneo 3 is AMD’s latest processor lineup. There’s an option to get your hands on the console with an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU, which positions Ayaneo as one of the pioneers in the handheld market using this processor. If you’re opting for a bit less firepower, there’s also the choice of the AMD Ryzen 7 8840U processor.
When it comes to the display, users aren’t short on choices. Depending on your preference, you can pick between a 7-inch 120 Hz LCD that pumps out 500 nits of brightness or a more vibrant 144 Hz OLED screen that shines up to 800 nits. Regardless of your choice, the prices remain consistent across these options. Memory configurations range from a comfortable 16GB with the 8840U model, scaling up to a hefty 64GB when paired with the HX 370 processor. Similarly, storage starts at 512GB but can be maxed out to 4TB for those who dread uninstalling games to make space.
Pricing for the Ayaneo 3 begins at $899 without the extra controller modules, reaching up to $2,099 for fully specced-out versions. Ayaneo is sweetening the deal with a discount between $200 and $300 if you snag one during their campaign.
It’s worth noting that the less expensive configurations won’t include those extra controller modules. For most models with 64GB/2TB, those are bundled in, but they’re not sold separately, meaning you’ll have to opt for the pricier versions if you want them.
As of now, Ayaneo has surpassed its $50,000 crowdfunding goal, and it’s full steam ahead towards production. Ayaneo’s track record is solid, which boosts confidence among backers expecting to get what they’ve invested in.
That said, backing a crowdfunded project carries some risk, no matter how good a company’s history might be. You are essentially investing in the idea with the inherent risks that come with launching a new product. But, committing now means enjoying a discount and being among the first to experience this innovative handheld.
