As the holiday season came to a close, Ayaneo dropped some big news for the gaming community about their upcoming handheld, the Ayaneo 3. The biggest feature? Swappable control modules. Modularity has been done before in devices like the Victrix Pro BFG controller, but on a handheld? This takes it to a whole new level especially with the hall-effect sensors on the analog sticks and triggers.
Sneak Peek: First Looks
Ayaneo has been dropping hints about their latest device through tweets, Discord posts and even a full video of the device and its modular controls. Two processor options have been confirmed: Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and Ryzen 7 8840U. LCD and OLED screens will be available. But pricing and other details are still under wraps. Fans will have to wait until the official launch event in late January 2025 to find out more.
Hyper-Modular Design: A Customization Paradise
The Ayaneo 3’s most impressive feature is its hyper-modular control system. Not only can you swap entire control modules but you can also invert them or even replace individual buttons. This level of customization makes the device suitable for almost any gaming genre.
For example, fans of fighting games like Street Fighter or retro Sega games can have a 6 face button module. For desktop gaming experiences with Steam Input, a touchpad module is perfect. This flexibility means the Ayaneo 3 is for casual gamers to hardcore gamers.
OLED vs LCD: Which One to Choose
The Ayaneo 3 will have both OLED and LCD screen options. For different budgets and preferences. OLED screens have better color accuracy and contrast so perfect for gamers who want the best visual experience. LCD is for those who want to save and still get the features. But without pricing we can’t tell which one is the best value.
Competition
With its modularity and customisability the Ayaneo 3 is ready to compete with other high end handhelds coming in 2025. The focus on fine tuning the controls sets it apart from the competition, it’s a strong contender in the handheld gaming market. Whether you choose Ryzen 7 8840U or Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 you will have a custom gaming experience that will change the handheld landscape.
What’s missing: Price and Specs
While the early Ayaneo 3 reveals are nice, the lack of price and specs leaves many questions unanswered. Will it be affordable for budget gamers? Will the modularity justify the premium price? We will find out during the January 2025 launch. Until then we can only speculate on the value proposition of this handheld.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Handhelds
Ayaneo 3 is a big step forward in handheld gaming, with customization options for all kind of gamers. Modularity, high end hardware and screen options make it a versatile and competitive device. Some things are still unknown, but Ayaneo 3 already generated a lot of buzz and the January 2025 launch is highly expected. Will it live up to the hype? We will see with the final price and user feedback, but one thing is for sure: Ayaneo is pushing the limits of handheld gaming.
Source: Ayaneo