AYANEO Pocket Micro: Comprehensive Review

1. Overview

• AYANEO Pocket Micro is an Android-based retro gaming handheld inspired by the Game Boy Micro, designed to evoke nostalgia.

• It belongs to AYANEO's Remake series, focusing on portability and retro gaming experiences.

2. Design & Display

• Design:

  • Features a CNC aluminum frame, a glass front panel, and a plastic back, offering a premium feel.

  • Slightly larger and thicker than a smartphone but remains portable.

  • Equipped with a 3.5-inch IPS touchscreen (960x640 resolution), vibrant.

• Control Layout:

  • D-pad and Hall-effect analog sticks are excellent, providing a responsive and precise gaming experience

  • Four function buttons (Start, Select, AYANEO, Home) at the bottom, with four shoulder buttons, volume rocker, and a fingerprint-integrated power button on top.

  • Includes a USB-C port and MicroSD card slot at the bottom, with vents on the back and top for cooling.

3. Software

• Runs Android 13, providing access to the Google Play Store and a wide range of apps.

• Pre-installed with AYASpace and AYAHome custom software:

  • AYASpace offers quick settings for CPU performance, screen brightness, etc.

  • AYAHome allows curated retro game lists with auto-fetched box art and screenshots, though setup can be fiddly.

• Regular software updates ensure ongoing improvements.

4. Performance & Battery

• Chipset: Powered by the MediaTek Helio G99, offering moderate performance.

• Emulation Performance:

  • Handles Dreamcast and earlier systems (e.g., PS1, N64, GBA) smoothly.

  • Struggles with PS2 and GameCube emulation, with slight stuttering in demanding titles.

• Battery:

  • 2600mAh battery provides:

    • ~2 hours in high-performance mode (with fan active).

    • ~4+ hours in balanced or low-power mode.

• Cooling: The internal fan can get noisy under heavy load, a common trade-off in compact devices.

5. Specifications

• Screen: 3.5-inch IPS, 960x640 resolution.

• Processor: MediaTek Helio G99.

• Memory: 6GB/8GB LPDDR4X.

• Storage: 128GB/256GB, expandable via MicroSD.

• Connectivity: WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.2.

• Ports: 1x USB-C, 1x MicroSD slot.

• Dimensions & Weight: 156 × 63 × 18mm, 233g.

• Colors: Retro Gold, Soul Red(no), Magic Black(no), Retro Gray(no).

6. Pricing

• 6GB RAM / 128GB storage: $$219\ast \ast (���������$

• 8GB RAM / 256GB storage: $$289$

• Available on Mechdiy💡

7. Conclusion

• The AYANEO Pocket Micro is a stylish, portable Android handheld ideal for retro gaming and Android titles.

• While it falls short in PS2 and GameCube emulation, its excellent performance for Dreamcast and earlier systems, robust software ecosystem, and reasonable price make it a compelling choice.