Ayaneo has just rolled out their newest masterpiece in the realm of handheld gaming consoles, and it’s already stirring excitement through its crowdfunding debut. The device, named Ayaneo 3, boasts a truly innovative feature: a modular controller system. The Indiegogo campaign details that this device includes a Standard Module equipped with classic joysticks, a D-pad, and the signature ABXY buttons. But they’ve also upped the ante with configurations like a Touchpad Module that swaps joysticks for a touchpad, and a Fighting Module that substitutes the right joystick and ABXY buttons with a six-button setup.
Perhaps the most captivating aspect is the ability to mix, match, and reposition these modules up to 56 unique ways, letting users tailor their setup to fit their gaming style perfectly. The one hitch? Removing these modules involves a motorized mechanism which, while intriguing, might complicate what should otherwise be a straightforward snap-and-swap process. But until we get our hands on the device, we’ll reserve final judgment.
Under the hood, Ayaneo has integrated one of AMD’s latest processors in one of its Ayaneo 3 variants. It can come packed with the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU, making Ayaneo a pioneer in embedding this chip into a handheld gaming console. Alternatively, if you’re not seeking that level of power, there’s the option to go with the AMD Ryzen 7 8840U processor.
Now, let’s talk options and price points. This console is available in numerous variants: from a 7-inch 120 Hz LCD that cranks out 500 nits of brightness to a more striking 144 Hz OLED boasting up to 800 nits. Storage begins at 512GB but can skyrocket to a whopping 4TB, perfect for those who hate constantly juggling game installs. Meanwhile, memory starts at 16GB for the 8840U chip models but can scale up to 64GB if you opt for the muscled-up HX 370 variant.
Prices for the Ayaneo 3 kick off at $899 for the basic model without extra modules, but those wanting all the bells and whistles might see their tally climb to $2,099. However, purchasing during the campaign can land you a nifty discount of $200 to $300, which is not too shabby.
It’s worth noting that most of the more affordable versions don’t come bundled with the extra controller modules. Those are generally included with the higher-spec 64GB/2TB versions; unfortunately, you can’t buy these modules separately, so you’ll end up needing one of the premium versions if they’re a must-have for you.
As of the latest update, Ayaneo’s campaign has already crossed its $50,000 funding goal, setting the wheels in motion for production. Ayaneo’s strong track record inspires confidence among backers that they’ll see their investment come to life.
Still, venturing into a crowdfunded project naturally carries some risks. Hitting the funding target doesn’t always guarantee a finished product, no matter how reliable the company might have been previously. Choosing to invest at this stage means you’re taking on part of that risk, but the potential rewards include significant savings and the status of being among the first to own this cutting-edge console.