Why are people Gushing over this Game Boy? AYANEO's Pocket DMG

[@retrohandhelds]

What's *your* thoughts on the Pocket DMG? Is it the *ULTIMATE* vertical? Notes: Aspect ratio is 8:7 (a few pixels shy of 8:7 in reality, it's using the 2nd screen from the LG Wing, which is 31 : 27). *I tested video out with my Viture Pro XR glasses, and it mirrors the 8:7 display on those, and other external monitors by default. You can set it to 16 : 9 manually though with some adb commands (thanks TheGammaSqueeze!) *The screen is 60hz, but my camera's shutter speed was set too low. I did a vsync test to confirm. *1080 Snowboarding is for N64, not Dreamcast 😆 *I recommended the Black version, but it appears that one is prone to fingerprint smudging, so id actually spring for White if I'm buying one. Although then there's the grime consideration. In the end, I think DMG is ultimate version in more ways than one, although spendy.

[@Boing2720]

@@retrohandhelds I'm so psyched to get my black version. I wouldn't buy the retro color for that price :o it's a shame you didn't show any N64 gameplay though. Would have liked to see how super Mario 64 looked, or Mario kart . And it would be nice to know if the second analog stick performed better at aiming, in games like Perfect Dark or Golden eye. But i really liked the video. I'm hunting every video i can find, reviewing this

[@retrohandhelds]

​@@Boing2720ah I did test multiple N64 games, but only kept 1080 Snowboarding in on the video (marked as Dreamcast by mistake). Using the touch pad for shooters on any system was tough, but all other N64 games so far feel good. 🎉

[@SWPLGAMING]

Honestly, I can't wait for mine to be delivered. It hit the early bird but still waiting. The trigger buttons look so sleek and the display is crispy. The touch pad is a welcome and new experience for us handheld gamers. I like it.

[@Efylan]

That t*rd is too expensive for what it does, almost twice the price as devices that do the same thing, sure it's pretty but so is the switch lite.

[@Lisa313shoe]

@@retrohandhelds thanks for the video stubbs I wish it was affordable 😭I did get 406H tho to complete my mini handheld with some power and I got the rtp 5 also..

[@teebs90]

I'm so bummed out that they priced a lot of people out of that really cool retro colour. $670 is INSANE for a device like this!

[@Zenmaster911]

Just buy another color 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@Intelligenz_Bestie]

that's not the price of the device, it's only this specific version he got, kinda misleading of him to advertise it that way

[@JohnathonHutt-r1q]

Yeah, I’m bummed they locked the Gameboy color scheme (for a pocket named pocket DMG) behind a paywall. I ordered the cheapest in white, which I do think looks great. Seeing all the reviewers with the GB colorway is rough though.

[@humane143imperfection6]

​@@Intelligenz_Bestie 👏 300 is too much for an android driven vertical handheld 👏.. we've become too accustom to kneecapping ourselves

[@TheJoshuaJames]

no headphone jack is criminal on a retro device

[@mayx8840]

If they just make a Miyoo Mini plus with an OLED it will be the best selling vertical ever.

[@Briansawilddowner]

Everything I’d want to do with that much power I wouldn’t want to do on a screen that size or on that form factor. For that money I’d rather buy multiple lower powered devices. I do think it’s a really cool device and I’d love to have one, i just can’t imagine any plausible scenario where I spend that much money on one.

[@WitchDoctor87]

The price is way to much for me

[@JonnTM]

Buy the base model for $350

[@Green-ls7kt]

@@JonnTMIts very niche to warrant that price tbh

[@alanchow4305]

If you want it for only Gameboy styles games just get a RG35XX.

[@humane143imperfection6]

I would feel like it would be justified if it was 16 gigs of ram, but I don't know why it would be necessary 😭.. yeahhhhhh this and Lucky's new handheld is some boutique bs. Buy an Analogue, or better yet, ANY retro emulator under 100 bucks.

[@michaeltaylor4817]

​@@humane143imperfection6not disagreeing, but same idea with the analogue pockets right? Least with this you can dock it. Have it look really nice and play anything on a bigger screen.... Still way too expensive though.

[@KyleRuggles]

It's too premium for the size, like.. I can't get over the amount of power for such a small screen. They really could have put a G99 or a T820 in it and it would have been fine, given the screen size lol. But it would be a killer system to have docked to a TV. It IS the ultimate Gameboy, but with everything else that's newer.. I dunno... I wouldn't want to stream on it, play any 16x9 games on it, even 4:3 you get the black bars.. It's great, but too rich for my blood. Great review! Edit: Do you get to keep it!?

[@retrohandhelds]

Hey thanks Kyle man! Yeah I do get to keep this one. Also, very much agreed.

[@MonoDree]

@@KyleRuggles I’m one of backers excitedly waiting for this device to arrive and the points you make are valid. It is overkill. But besides the power and analogue stick. Everything about this console is ticking what I want from a vertical device. I have been waiting for a device like this for years. I couldn’t wait to get it in my hands

[@adrian_veidt]

The chip doesn't match it's form factor for me. It feels like a waste imo. That power is more suited for android gaming, Winlator, and upscaled GC, PS2, Wii U and wii. With first 2 examples requiring a wider screen dimension. Could've slashed down the price by putting a Unisoc or older SD chip. The screen is really beautiful tho. Techdweeb did a great job demonstrating upscaled older games on it.

[@Oloko0]

I would have loved to see how a point & click MS-DOS game plays on the trackpad and the screen ratio. Lucas Arts game like Day of the Tentacle

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

$675 is a slap in the face. It’s like there are calling us stupid almost. Don’t get me wrong I think it looks great but I hate how they gatekeep the color everyone wants behind that price. Just very Anti-consumer all around. Love your videos as always though!

[@retrohandhelds]

Thanks! Yes and I very much understand this. I wish they offered the cooler colors cheaper.

[@jonathonearl482]

The ANBERNIC RG406V is the ULTIMATE vertical!

[@mattdavis9601]

I'm inclined to agree with this. Yeah, it doesn't have nearly as much power or the super premium build of the DMG. However, it has got ergonomics, two competent sticks, a screen that is a full 4:3, and a headphone jack. Those are all insanely useful things!

[@jonathonearl482]

@@mattdavis9601 I agree! It also has a pair of stereo speakers and a larrge battery.

[@weilkevin]

Thank you for that game play montage! Love seeing a variety of aspect ratios on that screen.

[@retrohandhelds]

For sure!!

[@skycloud4802]

So this has a 1240x1080 on a 3.92-inch OLED screen, resulting in a pixel density of 419 pixels per inch. The Analogue Pocket however, has a 3.5-inch screen with a better resolution of 1600x1440, boasting a higher pixel density 615 ppi. This means the Analogue Pocket's screen is sharper and offers better clarity (a perfect 10x Gameboy resolution). Plus AP is FPGA instead of emulation, and can actually read carts. So I'm not sure entirely where this new device stands? If I want a premium Gameboy, I'd probably go AP. If I want a premium device that plays everything, I'd go for a different form factor. It's like a square in a round hole. It's hard to think of why I'd want this.

[@JohnathonHutt-r1q]

Yeah, it is a larger screen than the AP though and the screen is oled. I would prefer if the AP had this screen personally. It’s a great screen, one of the main selling points of the device, I still think a 4 inch screen would have been much better.

[@RetroGamerDesigns]

You’re right -Ayaneo Were So Preoccupied With Whether Or Not They Could, They Didn’t Stop To Think If They Should!

[@pinkysweets]

sharper how? 1 pixel of gameboy is a square, 10x still a square of 10x10, still a square. for 3d games, sure, but retro stuff, meh

[@skycloud4802]

@@pinkysweets NPDMG doesn't match the pixel perfect scale of the Original Gameboy. The Gameboy has 10x10 pixels perfectly balanced on the Analogue Pocket’s screen, no scaling artifacts at all.

[@Bobbitee]

now that's a thumbnail !

[@volt101x]

Similar in shape to the TrimUI Brick... Just a lot more expensive lol

[@cppctek]

“Real gamers know gamers” nah I game alone, I never met a gamer in my life …. I swear … Those silly slogans crack me up every time lol 😂 The bag is sick though and tossing in the extra parts is a nice touch

[@damiengrief]

I preordered a base white model after seeing Dweeb's review. I think this is an end game vertical handheld for me. And I think the base 8 GB is fine. I wouldn't want to do any Switch emulation on a 4:3 display anyway. Won't be tempted to buy another vertical handheld again. I have an Analogue Pocket for my old physical cart collection and this for emulation. I just wish they offered the retro coloring in the base model.

[@jeremy__hopkins]

29:00 - I do love that canteen hard case. Feels very TOS Star Trek Triquarter. The DMG is unique but some aspects seem like solutions in search of problems. My advice for Aya Neo is take what they have here, drop the touch pad and apply it to a NOMAD style design with sticks. That's unique, functional and would be worth it since Saturn isn't the easiest system to emulate and the ARC doesn't cover all games. Could end up being a very nice Sega and arcade multi-system portable.

[@austintse5719]

A square screen is nice for older consoles but very limiting in what you can play. This just seems a luxury item for people with deep pockets.

[@Guapomirei]

Great Video🎉 Do you know the release date? I guess November isn't right?!

[@retrohandhelds]

Ah as it's a moving target I didn't want to mislead anyone, their Indie gogo shows the current estimated arrival (in our description)

[@pinkysweets]

this device is not for playing, it's gonna sit permanently on the shelf to be admired from afar, to be played with one or 2 times a year with gloves on

[@Teleportoro]

Hi, I'm a Time Traveller from the future. Year 2025 , 23rd April : Your Subscriber count is 219,567

[@retrohandhelds]

We would be very ok with this, Mr Time Traveler! Funny enough, April 23rd is an important date to me.

[@jzeroradio]

Put a sim card in it and its suddenly a cheaper option for this chipset in phones

[@retrohandhelds]

Would love that 😄

[@wingn3849]

The best handheld is the one that is with me and this is too expensive for me to carry around. My EDC is the Miyoo Mini Plus because it is small, decent quality and cheap. It doesn’t matter if it gets scratched, dropped or crushed. It can be easily replaceable.

[@retrohandhelds]

Great choice!!

[@Valion13Gaming2]

Was very curios about this one. Looks awesome, but at that price... I think it's just a but too much. If it was closer to the 250 or 300 of an rp5 or a odin 2 maybe, but its form factor lends itself more as a secondary device (at least for me). I want a small pocketable device as a companion for my steamdeck, and at the right price this would be great. I think I'll wind up with an RP mini though.

[@silentrocco]

The emulator handheld community used to laugh about the price of the fantastic Analogue Pocket. Now, they‘re willing to pay even more. For a device that‘s still only a software emulator. Wild.

[@Taporeee]

The price is stupid

[@_paczki]

It really is. If this device was 175-200, I would consider it as an endgame vertical device.

[@Sadtiric]

13:50 You callin' me crazy for stickerbombing my RP mini with Pokémon stickers on stream?! 😂 💚

[@retrohandhelds]

🤣🤣🤣 never!

[@Sadtiric]

@retrohandhelds 🤔 Suure.. 😆 I want one of those so bad, but oh well. lol

[@Teleportoro]

Analogue is gonna laugh at them for that pricing. Wait till Analogue launches Pocket in this limited Edition DMG color @249.99 and its gonna sell out immediately

[@shino56]

This thing can literally play gamecube upscaled through dolphin, dark souls remastered through winlator, and more. While still being less than a pound and pocketable. Idk why people are comparing it to the analogue pocket which caps out at gba and the steam deck which is huge in comparison. Definitely pricey though. It will be a gem for many in the future if it is ever sold at a discount.

[@retrohandhelds]

Ah just for form factor really, this thing is in a league of its own, currently you can really only compare it to other ayaneo handhelds, and AYN (if we're talking performance).

[@shino56]

​@retrohandhelds True! That's why I'm so excited about it. The power to size ratio is one of the best out right now. I appreciate you showing it play so many different emulators!

[@Zenmaster911]

The 300 quid version is perfectly fine ❤

[@Day100]

The accessories are EXPENSIVE. The retro version is 200$ more and you don't get all the accessories. If the carrying case isn't real leather, it's highway robbery. I want one and might buy one, but can't justify buying the retro version for 200$ more.

[@retrohandhelds]

I'd agree that the White/Black options will make the most sense for most people. The extras do come at an additional premium. The carrying case is awesome though, i'm not sure if real leather but it feels high quality to me.

[@gregmasciola3332]

While it looks cool, I think it's overkill for a vertical handheld. Also way overpriced. It's kind of lame of them to expect people to pay way more for the DMG color. Honestly, if someone's looking for a vertical handheld I'd probably just recommend the ones from Anbernic. If you also include the older 405v, you've got four different options depending how much you want to spend.

[@TWDenizen7240]

Now, if only AyaNeo included a "FRONT TOWARD ENEMY" sticker to go with the bag 🤔

[@michaelbenny659]

Is this the last of the ‘retro collection’ they announced at the beginning of 2024?

[@retrohandhelds]

Maaaaybe

[@jonathonearl482]

Why does it not have a headphone jack?

[@retrohandhelds]

@@jonathonearl482 I hear you there, you can plug in headphones via a USB C adapter if needed

[@jonathonearl482]

@@retrohandhelds Okay, that makes up for it.

[@mattdavis9601]

Is Stubbs a great reviewer or the greatest reviewer? I don't know the answer to that question; but, what I do know is that I had a lot of fun watching this review. I felt like I learned a lot too. Now that I've got the positivity out of the way... Actually, no, I think this unit is pretty awesome. It wouldn't be an AYANEO product without some very obvious "I have no clue how anyone at AYANEO thought this was a good idea" - style idiosyncrasies that I, you, and everyone else have already driven into the ground. However, I can't quite shake the feeling that most of those idiosyncrasies only matter to me because I know that there's no way on God's green Earth I could swing one. It's not that I can't afford the base model DMG; but, I'd probably talk myself into getting a more general purpose handheld like the Odin2 or Odin2 Mini at that price. However, I love the combination of size and performance on tap. It's gorgeously styled. AYANEO really hit a home run with the looks of this DMG. And that high resolution AMOLED screen too... In fact; the only true issue I feel compelled to gripe about is something that wasn't shown in the video; but, WAS mentioned by Stubbs in the pinned comment. The greats in this hobby always do that. Anyways, the issue being the video out mode is just a basic screen mirror. I love docking my small handhelds. I've got an Anbernic XX-SP. It's a small handheld by day; but, with just one wire + a Bluetooth controller suddenly I've got a beautiful big screen TV console at night. Plus, it actually outputs in way that perfectly fits the monitor it's plugged into. Like our old buddy Zu, it makes sense. Why is this DMG outputting 8:7? Why? It has infinite emulation power; but, good luck using it. Do you want to play Switch or widescreen Winlator games on your TV letter and pillar boxed into an 8:7 square? Hopefully they'll push out an update that changes the video out resolution to 16:9. Then the base model DMGs would be a worthy alternative to the Odin 2 Mini, at least for my use case. As it sits; I'd still love to have one and I'd cherish it despite its idiosyncrasies. It does a lot of things right. It does a lot of things right...

[@retrohandhelds]

Epic Matt Davis comment! Great points man

[@1murra]

Love the case it looks durable

[@xkxxxx]

Hate when they gatekeep colours to the most expensive models.

[@piepie5285]

Same price with the Steam Deck Oled white..... This is too much, even for collectors...😅

[@Gh0styGames]

is that a fresh fade 🔪

[@cho-v4n]

Thanks stubbs 🙂

[@stevefitzherbert]

"performance's policy in CPU's governor"

[@conza1989]

It’s very nice - So is the Odin 2 Portal I preordered for less, less! Ayaneo, maybe make a version with most of the bells cut out, I think there’s room for a $150 device that feels premium but doesn’t need this chip or screen or all the little details, look at the market guts it doesn’t make sense for most people.

[@Gh0styGames]

😮‍💨 shoulder sling is BUSSIN🎉

[@retrohandhelds]

hahaha

[@Sneakyturtleegg]

For the money, Analogue Pocket

[@ajv6669]

Glad you got the ultimate edition! Would have been nice if they sent you the base model as well for review. We know the top end plays everything. But what about base? Is 8GB enough or do we need 12GB for the higher end systems? In another video elaborate on the ergonomics And if there are any PS2 / GameCube that just won't run cuz it needs more power I'm on the fence about getting one And make a follow-up video for the pocket micro! Keep it up 💪

[@retrohandhelds]

@@ajv6669 thanks!! The Base should handle everything you need honestly, Switch or otherwise. The only reason I could see a true benefit from 12gb on this is maybe Winlator emulation. When I buy these Android handhelds, I always go for 8gb if it's an option, saves money and is extremely comprehensive in what it will play well.

[@nmanifold]

Looks very uncomfortable using the stick? Awful stick placement, should be more to the right. Other than that it looks great if a bit expensive.

[@solidunit]

the refresh rate looks messed up! wonder if they can fix that before it ships

[@retrohandhelds]

Ah its 60hz, my camera's shutter speed was set too low. I did a refresh test.

[@sTuPiDiScOoL_]

​@@retrohandhelds679 USD for 60hz?? Nearly Double my Odin 2 mini and over double my ps5 slim with it's new faceplates and RGB fans😂.

[@tice170]

Uh analogue pocket is 615 ppi and may not be oled but is quite nice plus hardware fpga. Just sayin. Analogue is in a league of it's own due to both roms and hardware. This is nice but there will be another to replace it soon. Also my phone does a better job at emulation. Nice device though at least for now.

[@etvow]

They are gushing over because they got it for free and need to pay back with lip service

[@inANUTSHELLANIMATION]

600 dollars for a 3 inch screen💀

[@_paczki]

The price is scuffed

[@AmbulanceWaitTimes]

The price makes this device stupid. Come at me

[@RetroGamerDesigns]

No, that’s a fair assessment.

[@RaineyRetro]

$300+ for a 4in screen is a tall ask

[@jinstinky501]

Only 2 shoulder buttons for $600. I can't wait to use that touch pad with none of my games.

[@billybobthorton2026]

there are 4 shoulder buttons. the touch pad can act like any button including its primary use of simulating a joystick. The base model is $350. you have a room temp IQ.

[@KyleRuggles]

Well it has 4, but at that price they should have implemented some sort of short throw analog triggers or something. It's such a gimped but premium device.

[@KyleRuggles]

@@billybobthorton2026 You're not really that nice are ya? Room temp IQ? What's wrong with you?

[@billybobthorton2026]

@@KyleRuggles None of the consoles best suited for this device, (N64, Gamecube, PS2) didn't have short throw triggers. The only one that did is Dreamcast. You can play all of those consoles flawlessly on balance mode and get like 6-8 hours (based on what TechDweeb put out). It's fine if people think it's too expensive, and AYA really did themselves no favors on sending out the Retro Color unit that is the most expensive unit, making everyone think the entry fee is almost $700. The other color base model is less than $400. That is a lot but if you want flawless 6th generation emulation with an OLED screen that will closely match those consoles aspect ratio, AND insane battery life, there isn't anything else.

[@AnTran147]

Gamecube had analog triggers, did you forget?

[@eastjm80]

There’s no headphone jack

[@RetroGamerDesigns]

I’m out!

[@RaineyRetro]

Bag is bad A though lol

[@retrohandhelds]

BEST bag lol

[@nathanxbond]

They’re going to regret trying to rob everyone with that price when no one buys it. What a joke. Miyoo Mini all day long 👊🏼

[@retrohandhelds]

LOVE my Mini+

[@PedroOliveira-ft9lb]

@@nathanxbond I bOUGHT MINE. ITS PERFECT

[@captainthunderbolt7541]

I can use more than a terabyte.

[@EpicFacePalmz0r]

its great whats happened in the handheld universe. but this is completely moot. 600$? thats OLED Steam Deck or ROG Ally territory.

[@Exit854]

Stubbs dont make me sad

[@Raphtor13]

Ugh - specs good but way too expensive. You know games I like to play on vertical do not need the power - yeah this is total pass for me. I will be interested to hear what you think of it after a few days with it.

[@Lisa313shoe]

I think it’s just over priced for something so small. I would never 👎

[@8bitchiptune420]

That's what she said.

[@Lisa313shoe]

@ lol 😂

[@elemileTLDR]

They built the ultimate gray brick themed console, then make gray color option twice as expensive? That's just mean. F 'em.

[@Aaron-lr1di]

I am certainly NOT gushing over this overpriced pos

[@PedroOliveira-ft9lb]

You dont, but i willl pay for this incredible machine

[@JosephTheRocker]

It's crazy to me how AYANEO released two batshit devices in a row. The DMG with an irrational amount of power overhead for what people would actually want to play on it and the micro, which has the ergonomics of a metal NES controller and a quarter of the DMG's power but at about 2/3 of the price. There is some major goober behavior here

[@Nexii801]

Buying this when the anbernic Rg40xx exists...

[@garykwan360]

The back is super ugly.

[@NetflixForeign]

If this was an Analogue Pocket with an OLED that would be perfect. Had to say it Aya, you ain't Analogue...STOP acting like you are with the delays in releases and everything else. edit: Oh and at the price you are edging on I almost want to ask why not just put a more advanced FPGA than the Pocket has and keep the screen?

[@LuisPerez-5]

This is better. STOP acting like it isn't. A more expensive Pocket? That thing is already overpriced. Batting for such a scummy and dirt bag company is crazy.

[@NetflixForeign]

@@LuisPerez-5 I am saying this company is JUST as bad as Analogue in the delays and arguably worse because once Analogue has the preorder and announces the date to ship, you will get it. This is IF you get in on the pre-order. Analogue can get away with this BECAUSE of how good Kevtris is with those cores. That gives them cache.

[@LuisPerez-5]

@NetflixForeign Not talking about delays. Analogue artificially cause scarcity of the product, making just enough to be always sold out. That is on top of it being incredibly overpriced.

[@djmorris666]

@@LuisPerez-5indeed… Analogue bad in so many ways in terms of their market approach. I‘d rather spend money on Aya

[@Jack32X]

Ayaneo are not worth anyone's time or money. My pocket S its on its 3RD RMA in 5 months. Support has been absolutely dreadful, they even shipped it back damaged at one point then took a week to admit they had done so. Additionally they've stopped releasing updates for the pocket S already despite the fact they didn't fix the stick drift being caused by the OS reading the deadzones incorrectly. My first and most certainly LAST Ayaneo purchase. They drum up hype, release a bare minimum viable product for a huge price then drop support and announce something else immediately

[@otogiokami]

Lol no one is gushing over this thing

[@cjjorge6636]

GOD NO IT"S UGLY !!!!!! & WAY OVER PRICE LOL

[@PedroOliveira-ft9lb]

I bought mine for you dont be shy

[@cjjorge6636]

@@PedroOliveira-ft9lb lol 😄

[@trickfypbyson]

steamdeck or odin2 portal bestprice