Rejoice nostalgic gamers! A new Android handheld device, boasting dual-screens, has arrived to resurrect the Nintendo DS experience you've been craving.
The gaming landscape has expanded yet again, with Ayaneo announcing its latest creation - the Ayaneo Pocket DS. Claimed to be the world's first dual-screen Android handheld device, the Pocket DS promises to shake up the competitive handheld gaming market.
The Pocket DS shares a similar design with another Ayaneo device, the Ayaneo Flip 1S DS, featuring a 7-inch OLED main screen. However, the Pocket DS is built for Android gaming and is expected to be more affordable than the Flip 1S DS.
Under the hood, the Pocket DS is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 processor, ensuring smooth and efficient performance. To manage this powerful device, Ayaneo has developed its own handheld management software.
The Pocket DS's specifications, while not yet fully revealed, position it as a high-performance handheld gaming device. It joins a growing list of portable gaming devices, including the Steam Deck OLED, Ayaneo Flip DS, Lenovo Legion Go series, MSI Claw 8 AI+, Zotac Zone, and the Asus ROG Ally X.
Comparing the Competition
A closer look at these devices reveals some interesting comparisons. The Ayaneo Pocket DS and Flip DS stand out for their versatile gaming capabilities, featuring powerful Ryzen APUs but are on the expensive side. The Steam Deck OLED, on the other hand, remains the best value for Steam gamers seeking balance between price, performance, and ergonomics.
The Lenovo Legion Go / Legion Go S offer large screens and Windows flexibility but have mixed impressions and high prices. The MSI Claw 8 AI+ and Zotac Zone compete at the high-performance end, with MSI Claw 8 AI+ noted for being the most powerful in some benchmarks.
The Asus ROG Ally X delivers a premium Windows experience at a high price, with excellent specs and battery life.
In terms of popularity, the Steam Deck series has the largest market recognition due to affordability and Steam integration. The Ayaneo devices appeal mostly to enthusiasts wanting power and multi-platform versatility, often accepting higher prices. Lenovo and MSI devices are recognized but have smaller niche followings compared to the Steam Deck or Ayaneo.
Exciting Leaks and Upcoming Releases
The next-generation Xbox console leaks indicate that the graphics arms race is not slowing down. Meanwhile, the ROG Xbox Ally may have a sooner launch than expected, according to a new leak. Additionally, Hollow Knight: Silksong may be playable at Gamescom 2025, suggesting a possible imminent release.
As the handheld gaming market continues to evolve, the Ayaneo Pocket DS adds an exciting new option for gamers seeking a powerful and versatile device. Pricing details for the Pocket DS will be announced in August, so stay tuned for more updates.
The Ayaneo Pocket DS, joining the gaming landscape, is poised to challenge other high-performance handheld devices such as the Steam Deck OLED, Ayaneo Flip DS, Lenovo Legion Go series, MSI Claw 8 AI+, Zotac Zone, and the Asus ROG Ally X.
Despite the expensive nature of Ayaneo devices, they cater to enthusiasts seeking power and multi-platform versatility. On the other hand, the Steam Deck OLED remains the best value for gamers looking for balance between price, performance, and ergonomics.
The upcoming roster also includes the next-generation Xbox console, rumored to continue the graphics arms race, and Hollow Knight: Silksong, which may be playable at Gamescom 2025, hinting at an imminent release.
