As a retro gaming enthusiast, I was excited to get my hands on the AYANEO Pocket Micro, one of the latest entries into the ever-growing market of handheld consoles. This console is packed into an incredibly small and attractive form factor, but how does it perform? Let’s get into the nitty-gritty and see if it lives up to expectations.
Design & Build Quality
The first thing that struck me about the AYANEO Pocket Micro is its build quality. At 156 x 63 x 18mm and weighing just 233g, it feels solid yet compact. The body is constructed from premium aluminum, and it comes in three striking colors: Magic Black, Soul Red, and Retro Gray. Despite the size, it has a nice heft, which contributes to a feeling of durability. While it’s pocket-sized, the rectangular shape and squared-off edges make it less ergonomic compared to some competitors.
The front of the console features a 3.5-inch borderless IPS display, offering a resolution of 960 x 640 with a 32 aspect ratio. The screen is bright and vibrant, which is a definite plus for retro games, though the reflective surface tends to pick up fingerprints easily. The buttons on the front, including the D-pad and face buttons, are made of conductive rubber, giving off a retro feel that matches the device’s aesthetic. However, they are slightly recessed, and I wish the D-pad were a bit more pronounced for better responsiveness, especially when playing fighting games.
The analog sticks, on the other hand, are surprisingly good. They use magnetic Hall sensors for more precise input, but they do protrude quite a bit from the body. This design choice is something to be cautious about if you’re planning to carry the console in your pocket frequently, as it could lead to damage or discomfort. Along the top, you’ll find rectangular shoulder buttons (L1, L2, R1, R2) that are decently clicky but feel cramped during extended gaming sessions.
Software & Interface
The AYANEO Pocket Micro runs on Android 13 with a custom front-end called AYASpace, complemented by the AYAHome launcher. Navigating the system is a breeze, thanks to a responsive and intuitive interface. It comes preloaded with the Google Play Store, which means you can download games and emulators directly without hassle. However, the system doesn’t come with any pre-installed emulators or ROMs, so you’ll need to set those up on your own.
One minor gripe I have is that some of the onboard controls didn’t work out of the box until I updated the firmware. The AYASpace app lets you tweak performance settings and manage the device’s features, but it’s clear that out-of-the-box functionality could be improved. The app itself is easy to use and includes settings for adjusting performance modes, controller calibration, and fan speed. You have four performance modes: Saving, Balanced, Game, and Max. Max mode delivers the highest performance but will drain your battery quickly.
Performance & Emulation Capabilities
Under the hood, the AYANEO Pocket Micro is powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 chip, an octa-core processor paired with a Mali-G57 MC2 GPU. It comes with options for 6GB or 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage, which should be plenty for storing your emulators and game libraries. The performance is impressive for such a compact device, but there are some limitations to be aware of.
Using AnTuTu benchmarks, the console scores around 393,000 in Game mode and 430,000 in Max mode. While it outperforms devices like the Retroid Pocket 3 Plus, it doesn’t quite match the power of more expensive handhelds like the Ambernic RG556. This places the AYANEO Pocket Micro in the mid-tier category. For casual Android games, you’ll have a smooth experience, but don’t expect to max out graphics settings on more demanding titles like Genshin Impact.
Challenges with More Demanding Platforms
Things get more interesting when you push the console to its limits with platforms like PlayStation 2, GameCube, and even PSP. For PS2 emulation, it’s a mixed bag. Games like ICO run well at 720p, but more complex titles like God of War 2 struggle, even in Max mode. Lowering the resolution helps, but performance is still far from perfect. Similarly, GameCube emulation is hit-or-miss. Titles like Mario Kart: Double Dash!! and Mario Sunshine are playable but show occasional frame drops. If you’re looking for flawless GameCube emulation, you might want to explore more powerful handheld options.
PSP emulation is more reliable, and you can run most games at up to 2x resolution using Vulkan. However, some of the more demanding titles may require you to stick to the native resolution for a smooth experience. Nintendo 64 and Sega Dreamcast games run beautifully, even at higher resolutions. I was particularly impressed with how well Perfect Dark performed, and Sega Saturn emulation was surprisingly solid as well.
Ergonomics & Battery Life
One downside is the device’s ergonomics. Its sharp, rectangular edges make it less comfortable to hold for long periods. Compared to handhelds with more rounded corners, like some models from Ambernic, the AYANEO Pocket Micro doesn’t feel as cozy. That said, it makes up for this shortcoming with its solid construction and premium materials.
Battery life is decent but not exceptional. The 2600mAh battery lasts between 3 to 5 hours, depending on usage and performance settings. If you’re emulating older consoles, you can expect it to last longer. However, running demanding emulators or playing Android games in Max mode will drain the battery fairly quickly. Thankfully, charging is fast with USB Type-C, and the device also supports OTG.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Premium Build Quality: The aluminum construction feels solid and well-crafted.
- Vibrant IPS Display: The colors are crisp and vibrant, perfect for retro gaming.
- Compact Size: Fits easily into a small bag or large pocket, making it great for gaming on the go.
- Magnetic Hall Analog Sticks: Offer precise control and feel surprisingly good for their size.
- Excellent for Retro Emulation: Plays older games flawlessly, especially GBA and SNES titles.
Cons:
- Limited Ergonomics: The rectangular design can feel uncomfortable for long play sessions.
- Performance Limitations: Struggles with more demanding emulators like PS2 and GameCube.
- Average Battery Life: Shorter battery life when using high-performance modes.
- Subpar D-Pad: Feels a bit unresponsive for fighting games and other genres that require precision.
- Analog Sticks Protrude: They stick out significantly, which could lead to damage or discomfort in your pocket.
Final Thoughts
The AYANEO Pocket Micro is a stylish and well-built handheld that excels at what it was designed for: emulating retro games in a compact and eye-catching form. If you’re into Game Boy Advance, SNES, or PlayStation 1 games, this console will serve you well. Just be aware of its limitations with newer and more demanding platforms. It’s a niche product, perfect for retro enthusiasts who want a premium feel in a small package, but it might not be for everyone.
Would I recommend it? If you’re looking for the best emulation experience in a small form factor and don’t mind spending a bit more for premium materials, then yes. However, for those who prioritize ergonomics and need more power for emulating newer consoles, there are other options to consider.
