AYANEO Pocket Micro Review - A True Premium Portable Handheld

[@RetroDodo]

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[@JoRoBoYo]

wtf is that price. are they crazy?

[@rookiereviewer]

No they are insane

[@mr_fuji_mintsmr_fuji_mints9873]

They are getting too comfortable with people buying their products, i wont do i anymore

[@ekinteko]

Yes, they are crazy. This is a regular pocket device, it is NOT a micro device. Those corners should not have been that sharp. That tiny fan is basically broken. That old MTK Helio G99 is kind of an overkill. And the true value of this is more along the lines of USD $150 Shipped. You are better off getting an old Android Phone and a Gamepad. Or maybe a cheap Anbernic device like 3XXX-H. Or better yet save more money and get a Steam Deck.

[@Busyshark92]

Yes they are. Haha. Clearly they’re not looking to sell a lot of them.

[@PROFIGHT_REVIEWS]

yep

[@idkmybffjv]

200 dollars! Who you think you kidnapped, Chelsea Carter?

[@rsorry]

For 32 bit games you can grab an Ambernic for 1/4 the price.

[@RetroDodo]

You're not wrong, but the build quality can't be compared to AYANEO's.

[@kevinmorrice]

@@RetroDodo true, but at the same time, anbernic are reliable enough at there price point to guarantee something that will not let you down, and to be honest my rg351p is my go to for everything, its always within arms reach and never had any issues

[@thihaaung647]

Agree. Everyone could grab an Anbernic device with less price. I would sacrifice built quality.

[@notyouraccount6038]

Why would buy a ambernic when I can plug a controler to my phone to a controler and play on a better screen? At least ayeneo tells you the type of screen they are using.

[@RockYoMomsWorld]

@@notyouraccount6038because who tf wants to carry a bulky ass controller everywhere they go😂 dedicated handhelds are better plain and simple. It sucks playing on a phone screen and it sucks playing a Nintendo game on a PlayStation or Xbox style controller. Also anbernic also tells you what screen they use in each device, just look at the specs they list 😂 what are you even trying to say with that?

[@enriquepinero707]

The biggest strike against this thing for me; is no hdmi out with bluetooth connectivity to make this a hybrid device. At this price; those features are a must to include.

[@8bitnation419]

I don't like hooking up handhelds to TVs. I would much rather have a dedicated device for the big screen with much more power to spare. Like a Mini PC.

[@enriquepinero707]

@8bitnation419 I get it. But having the option of suddenly you in a situation where you could play with someone seamlessly; is great. I guess the Switch spoiled me.

[@RaveN_EDM]

Sounds great in theory but clunky on android. For example you want to connect a controller but P1 is the device itself and Bluetooth controller is P2 so you'd have to go into each emulators settings, reconfigure the controller and then reset them when going back to handheld mode. If you're connecting to a modern display you'd have to change the aspect ratio and resolution. At that point it's no longer convenient.

[@enriquepinero707]

@@RaveN_EDM That's 100% accurate and has been the case in my experience. Linuix is usually better for this, but I just wished these devices would become more intentional and seamless in incorporating such features.

[@alpmaster0076]

I agree

[@STR82DVD]

They sell through 5,000 of these units I'd be amazed.

[@PrettyFlyForATyGuy]

$249 doesn't feel 'budget'. I would rather just save a little more and get a Steam Deck, or save money and get an actual budget one despite this handhelds fancy build quality

[@bunnybreaker]

Yeah that price makes zero sense.

[@whoever_81]

He didn't say "budget", he said "affordable"

[@pedroalves3140]

Coming from the future to say that Retroid did a handeld with 3,7" oled display and SD 865 for 200 dolars

[@piercewiederecht5135]

It’s $190 not $249

[@piercewiederecht5135]

Yeah and this has a 3:2 screen, metal shell, and slightly weaker chip for $15 less shipped. I ordered this and the RP mini and this was $15 cheaper while being MUCH smaller with same size display.

[@jessicagersterteles]

Got the Ayaneo Next Lite and liked it so much that I got crazy when the Micro was announced. Got one for myself and can’t wait to be delivered. Thank you for your honest review. I believe this device is perfect for my needs.

[@LuccaRPG]

This feel like an Apple product in the whole, "You are paying insane prices for looks."

[@alpmaster0076]

It does look beautiful 😅

[@charles69326]

This device would only make sense if it had more modest specs and a lower price. $249 is just insane and there are much better options for the same price or even less.

[@samuelcverto2013]

another $50 and you can get the odin 2. Or you can get the retroid pocket 4 pro for less. Absolutely insane pricing.

[@AtrusDesign]

You can find even an used Steamdeck.

[@maddoggaming1171]

​@@AtrusDesign This ^. I found a 512gb LCD deck for only $300 and the seller claimed it had only been used 5-6 times, it was in absolutely perfect condition when I received it. It's been several months and I still haven't had any issues and been having a blast!

[@trentcallan1]

It’s 189 for the model sane people would buy.

[@Golden_Deus]

​@trentcallan1 still isn't priced well for what it has to compete against for that price. The RP4 Pro and RG556 exist at that price range and can do more than this, the Razer Edge around the same price, if not lower at times at 200, which can play *WAY MORE* than this can at it's base config. If it was closer to 140-150, I could see it, but at 190-250, no.

[@theflavourist1985]

First second i loved the device but as soon as you mentioned the comfort of holding it I thought "yeah, I should have know this, when I saw it." A handheld is made for gaming but when it doesn't feel comfortable, you will not play that much with it, so it defeats its own purpose by design... as beautiful as it looks, i will not go to get it just to let it end up on the shelf, looking good and thats it. comfort to hold in hand is something, not to underestimate, when it comes to anything that is ment to be used.

[@colossusrageblack]

I would definitely get this, but I think my hands would cramp up holding it.

[@tomlion0116]

The RG351P has a bigger battery and plays GBA for 8-9 hours straight, has a plastic shell, the thumbsticks are low profile, it's waaaaay cheaper and ArkOs is just perfect on it.

[@GlitteredUp4Easter]

And can't play as many games and is bigger. If you're sticking to gameboy, good for you! But other people want more. Psp, gamecube even. This one does it.

[@tomlion0116]

@@GlitteredUp4Easter The Retroid Pocket Mini does it better.

[@andretti10]

Looks beautiful but super uncomfortable to hold

[@notyouraccount6038]

Its device for people who play on there phones because of the better screens. They even even tell you that the screen is IPS, which is rare.

[@jean3030]

3d printed grips incoming!

[@PocketUau]

Can't wait to see 3d printed grips to round out the edges

[@thedeadpoolwhochuckles.6852]

​@@notyouraccount6038people who play games on their phones doesn't seem like w good target audience for this

[@AtrusDesign]

@@jean3030great when you already spent 250$ on a 3,5 inches console…

[@mangafan88]

PS2 emulation in such a small device is wild.

[@AtrusDesign]

Not very good emulation btw.

[@cuphead7100]

It just isn’t worth the heat.

[@B0ARL0RD]

People complaining about the price probably have 10+ retro handhelds and don't plan on stopping the addiction. If you're looking for the end-game retro handheld and really want to stop the search for the perfect one, then I could see this one being a solid choice. If the miyoo flip doesn't end up doing it for me, I'm definitely copping this thing.

[@kingofall9262]

This is nice. At one point i was comparing and complaining about the price. After watching multiple review, it makes sense. It's not for everybody. I ordered one. I've always wanted a GBA micro, but they're just as expensive to get one now. Also this enable me to play stardew valley on the go. I do have a rog ally but that thing is not pocket friendly 😂. I have a V10 for my GBA but cannot play Stardew Valley or run some of my favorite ps1/psp game. Also to be able to play some ps2 rpg, that's a plus. Looking forward to getting mine soon.

[@yourcoolunclemarisa]

"affordable" in this context is making me feel so poor lmao

[@AtrusDesign]

No, it’s the price that is ridiculous.

[@theultimategamer95]

Always wanted a GB Micro but never got one due to prices... This is tempting. Better value for money.

[@RetroDodo]

It's much bigger than a GB Micro, i must say.

[@GreatSageSunWukong]

its twice the size at least nothing micro about it

[@XINN1X]

get a miyoo a30 its around $30 and plays all gba games

[@adamkane7513]

RG351M has the 3:2 GBA screen and is metal.

[@thihaaung647]

Ayaneo released a retro handheld with boxy design with no curved corners. Are they trying to hurt our palms? This looks freakin uncomfortable!

[@Moes_Prep_and_Tech]

In all seriousness how long do you expect to play this device in a single Session? I would play this in short bursts, probably no longer than an hour or so, not enough time to feel the negative effects of the overall design of it

[@thihaaung647]

@@Moes_Prep_and_Tech Let's say I'm a big boy with large hands. Sorry my man, I couldn't hold this design in my hands for more than 30 mins. 💀

[@kevinlawrence6368]

I thinks it’s perfect, size and power. I want something small to play ps2 and GameCube games

[@JorgeLeon-it1dn]

The review I was expecting for. Thank you. ❤

[@RetroDodo]

No, thank you for watching!

[@Chuabilly]

too expensive.

[@thihaaung647]

Yeah, I'd rather buy an Anbernic RG556 for this price tag. Bigger screen and android based system.

[@GlitteredUp4Easter]

​​@@thihaaung647they aren't competitors. The people who want something like this aren't looking for something huge like the 556. Not sure how people got so stupid. Just like saying "get a used steam deck". How retarded can you be lol. They aren't alternatives to each other.

[@stevangerardo4471]

Ordered retrogray version for me. This is analogue pocket that I need

[@junebugforever]

The stacked screen setup for DS at the end there is hilariously absurd in just how tiny it is

[@RetroDodo]

😂 yeah

[@SWPLGAMING]

You got that fast🔥🔥I'm fully tuned in🔥🔥🔥

[@SWPLGAMING]

I really like the design,it looks great despite the sharp edges,them triggers look tactile and premium. Fingerprint reader is a welcome touch 😅Yeah I don't like the SD card flap,the always break for me😢I love me some android emulation. Awesome video bro🔥🔥🔥

[@cuphead7100]

Lmao that fan is hilarious. As much as I love smaller devices, they just do not work well with higher-end emulation. The Miyoo Mini is perfect for everything from PlayStation and before because it doesn’t overheat or require too much power. The RG Cube is perfect for GameCube and 3DS because its specs and fan complement the ergonomics and battery capacity. But this is much like the Miyoo A30; too small to be so ambitious. Get this if you want a portable space heater.

[@PomuLeafEveryday]

I want to see a pentium powered cheap handheld, running something like bazzite and playing indie games that don't require much power.

[@operamatthew]

we need more 3:2 options. looking for the ultimate GBA player

[@SwEtchinmusic]

I actually really like it. I'd consider buying one if it goes on sale.

[@seemoremacstuff]

I’ll stick with Odin 2 Mini

[@operamatthew]

tempted to order. i’d use it for GBA games and 3:2 only

[@heres_the_sauce]

As long as it works well I think it's worth the price for the premium materials and build. It looks amazing. I wouldn't normally be interested in a device like this but I have serious envy for this one because the looks. Cpu is way overkill. I wish it ran linux and better matched cpu for $50 less.

[@RetroDodo]

Totally agree.

[@mrredoficial]

A very well done review. Thank you.

[@RetroDodo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tdata545]

I want a Retroid Flip style device with this chip. Speaking of Retroid, recently picked up the 4 Pro, and easily my favorite out of the now 20 different ones I have. I have an ODIN 2 for this chipset. It's too big and uncomfortable for long play sessions. I got the Ice Blue 4 Pro, swapped the joysticks out for Gray, which looks super sharp and put the SFC buttons on it. Which I'm indifferent on, I think Gray would look good there too. I like the ergonomics and weight of the 4 Pro the most, with and without the grip on (I bought that as well). Also has enough power for PSP, never got into PS2 or Gamecube.

[@RetroDodo]

Good choice, the RP4 Pro is great.

[@Tiyrant]

The price is the issue here. You can get a Miyoo A30 Mini for like £30 / €30 / $35 delivered. Same use case as this device, and has the right level of performance for the type of games you're mostly likely to play on this screen size.

[@gibsmk2]

I have a random question! Which handheld would you say has the longest battery life?

[@nach0x]

I rather recommend the Retroid Pocket 2S(at least it has a optional grip for better ergonomic, (I believe) it has a better battery life and if I'm not mistaken is cheaper.

[@grbear.]

I'd like to see a bit more discussion of the idea that Gamecube emulation and other titles of that era really need a bigger screen than whats available here.

[@alejorag]

I was hyped af watching this review because this thing looks absolutely gorgeous only to be gut punched by how bad the GC/PS2 performance is, I 100% believed their marketing material and thought it could handle most PS2, would've bought it in a heartbeat. I guess we're just not there yet.

[@father042]

7:45 lmao that is seriously a loud device

[@kukuthemoogle8560]

It was seriously jarring man lol

[@MyNameIsBucket]

There really ought to be two tiers of handheld emu device. If it's for 8 or 16 but games, it should have two shoulder buttons and ZERO analog sticks. If it's for 32 bits and beyond, it should basically be like a mini Steam Deck.

[@darylmoscrop1409]

Reminds me of the dingoo A320

[@Rockysbeats]

having the analogue sticks on the bottom is a huge design flaw you have to reach over them to use the buttons and d pad

[@NotHeresrsly]

Read the written review - if anything, I wished this level of power (maybe more?) was in more smaller devices - making more powerful but actually pocketable devices means less power to battery drain for older games, no? And again, more headroom for cheats, resolution upscaling, etc

[@WashingtonPrime]

I honestly thought it would be smaller until I saw photos of people holding it and lost interest. I was excited to play Dead Cells in a small form factor. Too small can be uncomfortable however. I’d still prefer something slimmer and smaller than this. When the device can’t emulate the PS2 and GameCube library with 100% success, the price point is not justified. It is indeed overpowered. Give us a true micro-pocket, emulating everything up to Dreamcast, PlayStation 1 and N64. The original Gameboy Micro was truly portable. This device is an awkward brick with joysticks sticking out that you’ll invest in carrying case for. The enhanced resolution for GBA games is something I’d like to see in future iterations of the Ayaneo pocket-micro and I hope Ayaneo plans on listening to fans to truly make it “micro” and allow enough power up to the consoles aforementioned. The sound of that fan is appalling. Looks like you bought a Volkswagen Beetle with a V12! Holy hell mate! Certainly love the aesthetics, build quality and color options. Keep it up Ayaneo, but I’m not sold, yet.

[@georged7627]

The only thing that would justify the small screen is if it had HDMI or Video out 🙏🏽

[@neerajdikshit5302]

Visually reminds me of the Dingoo A320 - which was probably the first of the serious Chinese emulation handhelds?

[@RetroDodo]

What a classic.

[@edreanhenrytombaga562]

$249 when converted to my country, it would be the same price as a Switch OLED. Apparently Anbernic would still be the undisputable "budget-friendly" for now....

[@coreystill7197]

I pre-ordered the special edition and the red. But I canceled it. And ended up pre-ordering the special edition pocket Evo. So I pre-ordered a total of five special edition pocket evo’s.

[@gagemontalvo8731]

So I’m totally down with a super small screen for game cube and ps2 games..actually looking for the smallest device possible for ps2 (I know I sound ridiculous) but THAT PRICE?! Is insane

[@silverbandit721]

For 32 bit games, you can just use your phone and get a 8bitdo Micro, a 8bitdo zero two, or use any Bluetooth controller

[@8BitPasta]

what are the two red buttons on the right side?

[@coldmale85]

Dont get the complaints about being able to play ps2 on a small screen, ps1 games were made for tv but noone complains about playing them on a miyoo mini.. for me a handheld that fits in my pocket and can play anything up to switch is what ive been waiting for and what ive seen many others asking for, how is more power suddenly a negative?

[@drunkinmaster1]

Rather get the Ambernic RG Cube than this

[@pixelgamesSARLS]

Interesting device. Can developer mode be enabled within the OS for developers to test Android builds of their games on the fly via a USB link?

[@ashketchup1093]

Does it come with pre installed games?

[@Xbell-The-Road-Rippers-Expert]

*All Hail Retro Dodo*

[@dreamingthelife]

I love the design but who wants a handheld this size with a fan?, if it's this pocketable being somewhat waterproof is ideal, wish it had a lower spec processor and was at least dust tight. Dreamcast is enough

[@carlthewinner]

Can this do Steam remote play? I realize it would be tiny. But possible?

[@chemaichi]

A limited edition one here. State of the art handheld.

[@FrankensteinID]

LOL, the fan is so loud. But, as long as it's doing it's job nicely, I'm okay with that loud sound.

[@KawikaLee408]

i was excited for this but it feels a bit underwhelming, especially at the price. now im more looking forward to seeing how the retroid pocket mini will perform

[@Sneakers8b]

They could have skipped out on the hefty cpu and analog sticks, reducing the price tag on it. That would make it interesting to me…

[@shinobi.3859]

people complaining about prize have to stfu... the analogue is the same price and both have high end tech and almost EVERY retro console that exists..there somo of these gameboy copies that are 200+ and dont even play more than 2 emulators... so its actually a great price for a solid device like this

[@centipedekid9824]

Found the hog rider

[@elim9054]

The analogue is also overpriced lmao

[@shinobi.3859]

@@elim9054 200+ for a handheld thats pixel perfect hight tech and read more that 1 type of cartridge besides emu... if you dont have the money its fine keep looking at unboxings but its not a bad price for everthing that it does🤣 smh

[@shinobi.3859]

@@centipedekid9824 where am i wrong.? tell me you broke opinion

[@nightizen]

can u use the usb c as audio port?

[@tompratt2381]

Most of those game cube games will play better if you reduce emulated clock speed a bit in the settings

[@hardkoregamer1981]

Personally i wish it had the Sega Genesis style dpad and six buttons layout.

[@MetalKingdomOfHammer]

Why does this device get so trashed? It seems on par with the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro, the price is not all that different, and it’s super pocketable. Am I missing something?

[@ImOnlyJoeKing]

I'd love one without analogue sticks. They seem so pointless. A high end GBA only device would be lovely.

[@jgerardi1985]

Is cloud gaming doable on this?

[@JsmashTech]

That fan is Nuts, whyyyyy lol

[@objectivegames6581]

May i have smth that i can use instead of phone? With lte, nfc etc

[@GoyoFreecs]

i prefer my rg cube every time, and also less price

[@EtaCarinaeSC]

The screen brightness is a letdown for such a premium device,

[@MarcTheLlama91]

Is this more powerful than the RP4Pro? As in can it handle more emulators?

[@RetroDodo]

About the same to be honest! But the RP4Pro has a bigger screen, albeit 16:9.

[@MarcTheLlama91]

@@RetroDodo​​⁠I have the 4pro and playing the Simpsons HAR on GameCube is not bad at all on there. But I really want a smaller Device. Thanks for the response

[@ArabLetsPlays]

Yeah I've definitely refunded my order on this. There's just to many caveats on this that I don't need when the Rp2s does exactly what I need it to do with it's only caveat being the tiny screen

[@ninjason57]

If it had a more powerful chipset like the T820 then maybe it would be worth the price.

[@KyleRuggles]

More powerful? At that screen size? I dunno.. Think they could go with less power.

[@yabbabuuyabbabuu]

I like this device but it is not micro in size. It is pretty big and thick. Yes it is beautiful and I would love that pretty screen but price is so high so I think at this point it is better to invest in for example Retroid Pocket 4 or something way cheaper. I wish that they made that device smaller (not as thick too), no sticks, same great screen, lower spec and for half price - I would buy instantly. I don't think it is pleasurable to play any of more modern 3d game system on that small screen (everything feels too tiny to enjoy) so we could get instead a quality device, less powerful, smaller and for better price instead.Btw I just don't understand what Nintendo is doing not catching the chance for retro market by releasing some small (like Game&Watch) but with quality device with games playable for example via Switch Online account or buy to play (as I think Switch Lite is a bit too big for those). I really like this concept of Ayaneo Pocket Micro but I am going to pass. Let's see if they will make some nicer version in some time:).

[@busyak]

00:45 BIONICLE!

[@mxpx311]

Might as well just get an Odin 2 mini

[@KDiaz-hy1xx]

Kinda sucks. I want a GB micro replacement and was hoping this would be it. The screen ratio is PERFECT, the quality is great. But yeah, it's "overkill". Other micro devices (RG28xx, etc.) are too cheap feeling and 4:3. Hopefully we'll get something a bit more subdued---and hell, get rid of the analog stick if it'll get it smaller too

[@Sam501UK]

Will you be making a video on addressing Rob leaving your team?

[@DecibelAlex]

add all the hardware so I can insert a sim and use it as a phone and it's an insta buy

[@nickgonzalez-q2y]

I think it's a great looking handheld, but the price is just asking too much for what it is. I already have hand helds that can play 90% of what this can play

[@flower5185]

Their designs are mostly nice but I don't really understand Ayaneo's approach. Their prices are so far removed from the competition and it's hard to imagine there are many people who want to play Gamecube games on a device like this

[@BrentonBold]

Why are portable emulater producers allergic to 4 inch screens?

[@WxkR]

Ayaneo: “¡Hey guys, for $250 you can get a tiny screen and a cramp-inducing device, unlike anything else in the market!”

[@PaulTaylor1]

Too big, too expensive. You can't call it Micro at that size.

[@yourtime]

the problem I have with this one, aside of other aspects, is the fingerprint, what for, does this need an fingerprint? sounds like a complete waste of ressources

[@randomname_tqrk]

I have to disagree that it looks good. Maybe it's because I'm looking at it in a video and not irl... the ergonomics are WORSE than Anbernic's candy bar horizontal handhelds because of those sharp corners, the shell looks like it would crack (like an iphone's back) if dropped, it looks like it attracts a fair bit of fingerprints, and at the end of the day it looks like a plain black rectangle. I wonder how good the d-pad is? At that price point I'd expect nothing less than "excellent" at balancing easy diagonals and false diagonals tbh.

[@mymusic3354]

I like your videos of these knock off consoles, it's interesting how many of them that keep popping up, some look very much like a particular console. I think it's definitely interesting how far some of the creators of the fake consoles go to make kit look like the real thing, but then it's loaded with knock off games from other systems, some of which work, some don't. 😁 And ones where it looks like a PlayStation and plays Famicom cartridges 😂

[@zackraf3272]

About autonomy?

[@Colectionarul]

Less money and less power would have been great. The high price makes it difficult to buy. I would have loved if it was a bit cheaper

[@Perfect_person_who_has_4_lags]

I would still buy a blackview shark 8 same processor better display and better battery same price

[@andrewg2586]

This or Retroid pock mini?

[@MithosDagon]

Depends on the specs of the pocket mini

[@elim9054]

So many comments saying it's "overpriced and not overpowered..." Guys, it's literally overpriced BECAUSE it's overpowered. They could have easily put less powerful hardware in this and driven the cost down for basically no drawback at all. No one wants to emulate GC or PSP or whatever and deal with the letterboxing it would add to this dinky-ass screen.

[@Ali_10140]

I have one of their pc handhelds it's extremely good I got it for a giagantic discount

[@alexyuan1351]

Compared with Evercade，My arcade，its good price and more effective~🤭