Ayaneo Pocket S2 Unveiled: First Console with Snapdragon G3 Gen 3, But There’s a Catch

First Console with Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 Chip

Ayaneo, known for its dedication to retro gaming handhelds, has launched its latest premium device, the Pocket S2. This device is the first on the market to feature Qualcomm’s new gaming chip, the Snapdragon G3 Gen 3.

This chip is expected to deliver a 30% improvement in CPU performance and a 28% increase in GPU performance compared to its predecessor. Importantly, Ayaneo and Qualcomm have collaborated to enhance game compatibility, a noted weakness in previous “gaming” chips.

A Stunning Display… Capped at 60Hz?

The console features a large 6.3-inch IPS display with a sharp 1440p resolution and a high brightness level of 600 nits. On paper, it sounds fantastic.

But here’s the catch: According to spec sheets, this display is limited to a refresh rate of 60Hz. In an era where even budget smartphones offer 90Hz or 120Hz, this choice on a high-end gaming console is somewhat perplexing.

The Pro Model and Its Massive 10,000 mAh Battery

For the first time, Ayaneo offers a “Pro” version of its model, which stands out with a whopping 10,000 mAh battery, impressive for a console as slim (15.9 mm) as this one. The standard model features a still generous 8,000 mAh battery.

The Pro model also benefits from faster charging capabilities (60W versus 40W) and an interchangeable D-Pad, catering to the preferences of fighting game enthusiasts.

Pricing Through an Indiegogo Campaign

As is common with niche brands, the launch is being managed through a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. Pre-orders are already open, with delivery expected by the end of July.

Early bird pricing starts at $439 for the base model (8GB/128GB) and goes up to $699 for the fully-loaded Pro version (16GB/1TB). Once the campaign ends, the retail prices will be slightly higher.