Well, it looks like this week's rumours were true, and the leaked user manual uploaded by AYANEO was indeed an upcoming device, but now being created by their sub-brand KONKR. This new device will be called the KONKR Pocket Block.
Today, CEO Arthur Zhang hosted a livestream on AYANEO's YouTube channel, not only revealing a new limited edition Pocket Air Mini but also a new budget-friendly device in a vertical form factor under their "budget" brand KONKR.
This device comes in two colour variations, once focusing more on the iconic GAME BOY DMG colour tones, and the second featuring a pastel purple face, with light buttons, and subtle nostalgic nods to 90s/2000's electornics design.
They look like cute, pocket-friendly devices, likely with a 3 - 3.5" display, and will directly compete with the likes of the TRIMUI Brick, ANBERNIC's RG35XX and even Retroid's Pocket Classic. A market that is certainly over-saturated, but time and time again, AYANEO impresses many with their build quality and the fact AYAHome is very well built (even if they still have yet to install the auto-load box art option). It could be the one many have been waiting for, especially if you like this futuristic, slightly chaotic, but nostalgic look.
It features USB-C charging and a 3.5mm headphone jack at the bottom with an official AYANEO button on the face, a front-facing speaker that looks like a GAME BOY DMG speaker grill, ventilation at the top, which looks like a metal grill, which adds a premium touch and a coloured on/off button to continue the futuristic look.
No official specifications, release date or pricing have been announced; it was only a very subtle tease, likely to take attention away from the leaks and for AYANEO to get a chance to inform their audience that this is indeed real and it's coming.
The box shows off the final design, making me believe this is close to final, and will likely launch over the next few months. Though no horizontal version has been teased yet, a leaked image of it was also leaked this week. For now, this little vertical looks to target those who want a budget-friendly, pocket powerhouse with a unique design, and likely too much power for the little DPAD to handle!
Video credit: AYANEO
