Ayaneo's Pocket Play: Retro Android Gaming Handheld With a Sony Ericsson Twist
Ayaneo, the retro gaming handheld manufacturer behind the RG Slide, has unveiled its first foray into Android territory with the Pocket Play. The device takes cues from 2011's Sony Ericsson Xperia Play, with a sliding phone mechanism that exposes a set of inset physical controls, including a D-pad and ABXY fact buttons, as well as two circular touch pads.
While the design is undeniably reminiscent of the original Xperia Play, the Pocket Play boasts some key upgrades. Its sleeker build suggests that it's capable of serving as both a phone and a gaming handheld – rather than just being a niche gaming device like its predecessor. That said, details on the device's specs remain scarce, with Ayaneo only promising a "soon" launch date.
This isn't the first Android gaming handheld to draw inspiration from Sony's Xperia Play; Anbernic's RG Slide has already done so this year. However, Ayaneo's Pocket Play appears to be more refined and potentially more expensive than its predecessor. With prices for similar devices ranging between $189 and over $500, it's likely that the Pocket Play will fall in a higher price bracket.
As of now, fans of retro gaming handhelds will have to wait until the Pocket Play's release date is officially announced. Given Ayaneo's history with devices like the RG Slide, which has garnered praise for its performance and build quality, it's worth keeping an eye on this Android gaming handheld – particularly if you're looking to expand your mobile gaming library beyond just smartphones and tablets.
Ayaneo, the retro gaming handheld manufacturer behind the RG Slide, has unveiled its first foray into Android territory with the Pocket Play. The device takes cues from 2011's Sony Ericsson Xperia Play, with a sliding phone mechanism that exposes a set of inset physical controls, including a D-pad and ABXY fact buttons, as well as two circular touch pads.
While the design is undeniably reminiscent of the original Xperia Play, the Pocket Play boasts some key upgrades. Its sleeker build suggests that it's capable of serving as both a phone and a gaming handheld – rather than just being a niche gaming device like its predecessor. That said, details on the device's specs remain scarce, with Ayaneo only promising a "soon" launch date.
This isn't the first Android gaming handheld to draw inspiration from Sony's Xperia Play; Anbernic's RG Slide has already done so this year. However, Ayaneo's Pocket Play appears to be more refined and potentially more expensive than its predecessor. With prices for similar devices ranging between $189 and over $500, it's likely that the Pocket Play will fall in a higher price bracket.
As of now, fans of retro gaming handhelds will have to wait until the Pocket Play's release date is officially announced. Given Ayaneo's history with devices like the RG Slide, which has garnered praise for its performance and build quality, it's worth keeping an eye on this Android gaming handheld – particularly if you're looking to expand your mobile gaming library beyond just smartphones and tablets.