Ayaneo, known for its innovative handheld gaming consoles, has taken to crowdfunding to launch its impressive third-generation flagship device. This time, the Ayaneo 3 introduces a revolutionary modular controller design that definitely piques interest. According to their Indiegogo page, this new handheld offers a choice of modules: the Standard Module with the familiar joysticks, D-pad, and ABXY buttons; a Touchpad Module that substitutes the joysticks for a touchpad; and a Fighting Module where the right joystick and buttons are replaced with a six-button layout.
What truly stands out is the customization potential here. You can swap and even flip these modules in a way that allows up to 56 different layout combinations, letting you tailor the setup to match both your style and the demands of each game. While this customization is exciting, there is a slight concern regarding the use of a motor to eject the modules, which could make the process a tad more intricate than desired. Nevertheless, it would be best to see it in action before jumping to conclusions.
On the performance side, the Ayaneo 3 doesn’t disappoint. They’ve incorporated AMD’s latest processors, with the option to select the powerful AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU in one of the variants. This strategic choice makes Ayaneo one of the front-runners in the gaming handheld space using this chip. Alternatively, if you feel less need for extreme processing power, the AMD Ryzen 7 8840U is also available.
Looking at what’s under the hood, the Ayaneo 3 presents several appealing configurations. You can choose between a vibrant 7-inch 120 Hz LCD offering up to 500 nits brightness, or a dazzling 144 Hz OLED screen that shines at 800 nits. Interestingly, both display options sit at a similar price point, leaving it up to your personal preference. Memory starts at 16GB for consoles equipped with the 8840U processor, but you can climb as high as 64GB with the HX 370 model. Storage begins at 512GB, with the potential to expand up to a massive 4TB—perfect for gamers who prefer keeping all their games handy without deleting anything.
Pricing starts at $899 for the base model, minus any extra controller modules. However, prices can scale up to $2,099 if you’re aiming for the full bells and whistles. The good news is that discounts ranging from $200 to $300 are up for grabs during the crowdfunding campaign.
A point to keep in mind: the more entry-level versions don’t come with the extra controller modules, which are included predominantly with the 64GB/2TB models. Currently, Ayaneo isn’t offering these modules for separate purchase, so if you have your heart set on them, the higher-tier packages are your best bet.
As of now, Ayaneo has already surpassed its $50,000 funding goal, which makes the production of this intriguing gadget likely. Thanks to Ayaneo’s solid track record of fulfilling its commitments, backers can remain fairly confident in receiving exactly what they pledged for.
While it’s important to remember that crowdfunding carries inherent risks—even with solid companies—a successful campaign does not automatically promise a finished product. Supporting at this stage is essentially an investment in the company and its vision. That said, the trade-off includes a notable discount and the opportunity to be among the first to experience this innovative handheld.
