AYANEO, a prominent player in the retro gaming handheld market, has unveiled the Pocket DS, a groundbreaking dual-screen Android gaming clamshell. This device marks a significant milestone as the first of its kind in the Android gaming handheld sector, drawing immediate comparisons to the Nintendo 3DS and potentially fulfilling a long-standing demand from fans for an Android-powered successor.
The Pocket DS features two distinct screens and inset sticks, allowing the clamshell design to close compactly. While full specifications are pending a dedicated announcement event slated for tomorrow, initial observations from a livestream of a finished prototype offer some insights. The top screen appears to be a standard 16:9 panel, estimated to be around 6.7 inches. The bottom screen is noticeably smaller, likely sporting a more retro-friendly 4:3 aspect ratio, designed to accommodate the physical controls. The preview showcased custom software running on the bottom screen, suggesting a tailored user experience to seamlessly integrate the dual-screen functionality within the Android ecosystem. Ergonomics are also addressed with curved grips on the back of the device for improved comfort during extended gaming sessions.
Beyond its impending announcement, the Pocket DS is set to be a highlight at the Qualcomm booth at ChinaJoy 2025, with public displays commencing on August 1st.
In addition to the Pocket DS, AYANEO utilized the announcement to tease a range of other upcoming devices. A new Game Boy-like vertical handheld was hinted at, described as a “passion project for true handheld enthusiasts,” although no visual representation was provided. This new vertical handheld is expected to feature a more angular design compared to the existing Pocket DMG.
The company also provided updates on its Gaming Pad tablet, which was initially announced earlier in the year. The Gaming Pad is characterized as a robust tablet featuring an 8.3-inch 120Hz LCD display with a 3:2 aspect ratio. While still under development, AYANEO confirmed plans for a separately sold telescopic controller companion to enhance the gaming experience on the tablet.
AYANEO further expanded its product announcements to include several Windows-based devices. A “mini laptop” named the Flip 11 was introduced as AYANEO’s inaugural gaming laptop, though further details are scarce at this time. The company’s line of retro-inspired mini PCs is also expanding with the AM01S, an iteration of a previous model that includes a flip-up secondary screen and offers a selection of four AMD Ryzen processors, topping out with the AI 9 HX 370. Furthermore, two new budget-focused mini PCs, the AM03 and AM04, are in development, targeting a broader audience with their understated designs.
While the array of new products is notable, the Pocket DS remains the central focus of AYANEO’s recent announcements. The company’s current trajectory, marked by a consistent release of premium and uniquely designed handhelds, positions the Pocket DS as a potentially transformative device in the Android gaming handheld market, addressing a significant demand from the gaming community.
