AYANEO have always created premium handhelds, their cheapest being the Pocket Micro at $189.99, which is beautifully built, all the way up to $1,000+ juggernauts for the gamers with no budget and good taste.
This ongoing trend of high-priced handhelds somewhat forced them to build a sub-brand called KONKR, which they launched a few weeks ago to focus on "budget-friendly" handhelds; however, this new handheld released under the AYANEO name is "priced for everyone", so I am left a little confused.
Is KONKR releasing budget handhelds or is AYANEO? Or are both?
That aside, AYANEO latest reveal is the Pocket Air Mini, a device featuring a 4.2" 4:3 display at 1280x960 resolution. Many retro handheld fans will notice that this looks like ANBERNIC's RG Cube that released in mid-2024.
Apparently, the Pocket Air Mini, which addmittedly looks like a compact version of the Pocket Air which I kind dig features a "brand new 4:3 dispaly" that is a true 4:3 screen.
Which I guess is a nod to their pixel-perfect resolution that works at 4x native resolution on Nintendo 64 and Playstation 1, and even 2x native resolution for Dreamcast.
The image which is the only announcement they have made so far even suggests it can emulate Playstation 2, Nintendo Wii, Sega Saturn, NeoGeo, Nintendo DS and more suggesting this packs a semi-powerful set of internals.
I am personally excited for this, and if AYANEO prices it right (under $199) I believe it will introduce their brand to a new audience who would be more then delightes to experience their attention to detail, and may even entice them to look at their more powerful devices in their aresenal too.
But I can't ignore that the launch of KONKR has confused me slightly. This Pocket Air Mini would have better fit that "budget friendly" brand more, no?
