If one AYANEO leak isn't enough for you, then you'll be happy to know a possible second device has been leaked on the Open Source Handheld Game Bar group on the Chinese platform Baidu, this time showing off a horizontal handheld that looks just like the AYANEO Pocket Block that leaked a few days ago.
As mentioned in the previous news post, these devices have not been officially confirmed. The vertical Pocket block was leaked via an online User Manual database, yet this horizontal version has only been leaked via Baidu using images that (to me) do not fit AYANEO's branding well, so I do have my concerns on whether or not this is real.
The leaked device was shared in an image of the CEO, Arthur Zhang, holding out the Vertical Pocket Block alongside an image of a horizontal version that takes inspiration from the DMG in terms of colours, but also looks like one of the first official handhelds I reviewed, the DigiRetroBoy way back in 2018.
The image itself, as mentioned, doesn't really gir AYANEO's design history, nor does the handheld for that matter, but this is something that AYANEO would do. The vertical version, I believe, is a smart move, especially if they price it at under $120, but the new horizontal leak... I think it would compete with their very own AYANEO Pocket Air Mini, which has an additional two analogue sticks and enough power to dabble in anything up to Gamecube and PS2.
The text translates to "Real gamers know gamers" a long-standing motto from AYANEO. Alongside "AYANEO's new handheld console", "Flagship performance, ultimate experience" and other awkwardly translated mottos like "Master-level feel, precise controls”.
Other images show a different person known as "Zhou Ge" holding the vertical Pocket Block, with more translated text such as "Players first — crafted with care, made for gamers". My spidey-senses started tingling with this image as your "Bitwave" logo is awkwardly pixelated as if AI was used to generate the image, and in classic fashion, it mixes up the text slightly.
As this wasn't uploaded or shared by any known official source at AYANEO, again, it could be fan-made from the original leaked photos in the user manual of the original Pocket Block. Though many in the forums believe it's real, I'm just having a hard time getting my head around the reason AYANEO would create this new leaked handheld that competes with itself, with fewer controls/ergonomics in comparison to the Pocket Air Mini (which is superb).
I have personally emailed AYANEO to ask them if this is real, but I have had no response since emailing them a few days ago. There have been no official announcements, nor any leaks regarding specifications, pricing or release date; it is simply images being shared online.
It may have some legs because the Pocket Block vertical handheld was leaked more "officially", but that is all. I don't believe this handheld is true; however, I do think the vertical version has a better chance of becoming a reality, but I will let you decide!
AYANEO have announced a "Live Chat" event being livestreamed to Discord on the 21st May, 08:00 EST, with the announcement of "new products" and classics reimagined. So who knows, Arthur himself could reveal the Pocket Block line of devices that you are seeing here today.
I'll be keeping a close eye on this, so join our free newsletter to keep updated!
