Ayaneo, the well-known maker of handheld gaming consoles, has rolled out its third-generation flagship device and it’s already causing a stir among gaming enthusiasts. Launched for crowdfunding, this innovative gadget boasts a groundbreaking modular controller design that’s turning heads on its Indiegogo page. The Ayaneo 3 offers a variety of modules, including the Standard Module, which packs the essentials like joysticks, a D-pad, and ABXY buttons. Then, there’s the Touchpad Module, swapping out the joysticks for a streamlined touchpad, and the Fighting Module, designed for those who prefer a six-button setup instead of the typical ABXY and joystick arrangement.
One of the standout features of this console is the ability to mix and match these modules, even allowing them to be installed upside down. With 56 possible layouts, the Ayaneo 3 is all about customizing your gaming experience to match your style. Our only slight reservation is about the motorized mechanism used to eject the modules—it seems like a needlessly complex process for what’s usually a straightforward action. That said, we’re eager to get a hands-on experience before drawing any conclusions.
Powering the Ayaneo 3 is AMD’s latest and greatest processor, with the console supporting up to AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU. This inclusion makes Ayaneo one of the first to utilize this processor within a gaming handheld. There’s also an option to opt for the AMD Ryzen 7 8840U if you feel the need for top-tier power doesn’t match up with your current gaming needs.
The Ayaneo 3 comes in at least two screen choices: a 7-inch 120 Hz LCD, boasting up to 500 nits of brightness, and a 7-inch 144 Hz OLED, which can shine brighter at 800 nits. Regardless of your pick, pricing for these displays remains consistent, focusing the choice more on personal preference than financial constraints. Memory and storage are just as varied, starting at 16GB of RAM for those with the Ryzen 7 8840U model, all the way up to a whopping 64GB when paired with the HX 370 processor. Storage options range from 512GB all the way up to a massive 4TB, catering to those who hate having to uninstall games.
The cost of stepping into the Ayaneo 3 experience starts at $899 for the base model. But, for those eyeing the peak performance packages, be prepared for prices to escalate up to $2,099. However, back the project early and you might snag a discount between $200 and $300.
It’s worth mentioning that more budget-friendly configurations don’t come with extra controller modules; these are reserved for the higher-end, 64GB/2TB variations. Plus, Ayaneo hasn’t made plans to sell these modules separately, so if you’re keen on owning them, consider investing in the more premium models.
As of now, Ayaneo has surpassed its $50,000 funding goal, signaling a strong momentum towards production. This isn’t just luck—Ayaneo has a solid reputation for delivering as promised, which adds a comfort layer to their crowdfunding backers’ enthusiasm.
Bear in mind, though, that even with funding targets met, crowdfunded projects carry inherent risks. There’s no surefire guarantee of a finished product, regardless of the company’s track record. Investing at this stage means sharing some of the risk but with the benefit of a sweet discount and the anticipation of being among the first proud owners of this cutting-edge gaming device.
