The AYANEO Pocket S Mini is a pint-size version of the original Pocket S, and a premium alternative to the existing Pocket Air Mini, a more budget-friendly device from AYANEO that uses the same 4.2-inch, 4:3 screen, albeit it looks much better on this device. This guide will help you set up your AYANEO Pocket S Mini to get the most out of your device.
Table of Contents
AYANEO Pocket S Mini Specs
As detailed in our AYANEO Pocket S Mini Review, the Pocket S Mini comes in the usual three distinct colors (Obsidian Black, Ice Soul White, and Retro Power) and three different RAM and storage configurations. As usual, higher RAM and storage options will be beneficial for those looking to dive into PC emulation on Android, but the 12GB/256GB (or, as AYN would put it, the “Pro” specification) is generally considered a sweet spot that can handle pretty much any emulation demands you throw at it.
Under the hood is a Snapdragon G3x Gen 2, powering a 60Hz, 4.2-inch 1280×960 LCD screen. While the Pocket S Mini does use the same screen as the Pocket Air Mini, the quality of the materials, along with the more powerful chip and internals, make the screen pop in comparison (several of us on the Retro Handhelds Discord are convinced AYANEO underpowered the screen on the Pocket Air Mini, which is why the Pocket S Mini doesn’t exhibit ghosting like the Pocket Air Mini).
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Hardware | |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 |
| GPU | Qualcomm Adreno A32 |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR5X, 12GB LPDDR5X, 16GB LPDDR5X |
| Display | |
| Screen Size | 4.2-inch |
| Resolution | 1280 x 960 |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:3 |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| PPI | 380.95 |
| Storage | |
| Internal Storage | 128GB UFS 3.1, 256GB UFS 4.0, 512GB UFS 4.0 |
| External Storage | microSD |
| Battery | |
| Battery Capacity | 4700mAh |
| Connectivity | |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Ports | USB-C |
| Video Out | Yes |
| Controls | |
| Sticks | Hall Effect |
| Triggers | Analog |
| Shoulder Layout | Stacked |
| D-Pad | Top Left |
| Audio | |
| Speakers | Stereo |
| Speaker Location | Bottom-firing |
| Physical | |
| Dimensions | 167.1 x 77.85 x 18.5mm |
| Weight | 305g |
| Form Factor | Horizontal |
| Software | |
| Operating System | Android 14 |
Recommended Accessories
When it comes to official accessories available directly from the AYANEO website, there are several options. We’ve got a hard carrying case, screen protector, and various stick replacement caps. Reminder that the screen is the same size as the Pocket Air Mini, so screen protectors for either device will work here.
There’s not much in the way of unofficial accessories for the Pocket S Mini, with some custom buttons on Etsy. As a reminder, if you’ve got any larger replacement sticks or caps for your AYN Odin or Retroid Pocket devices, the Pocket S Mini uses the same stem as those devices. As mentioned before, the Pocket S Mini also uses the same screen protectors for the Pocket Air Mini that can easily be found on Amazon (which I have on mine).
External Storage
Ah, the age-old question of whether to keep your games and files on the internal storage on the device itself, or external storage in the form of a microSD card or portable SSD? External storage is great for ease of transferring files to and from your device. All my files are kept on a Sharge Disk (external 2230 SSD enclosure), which means I don’t have to constantly involve my computer in the installation process. I can even play games directly from the SSD!
Internal storage is going to be faster and more stable, so plenty of people prefer that option. However, if you’re interested in something like PC emulation through GameNative or GameHub, then you might want to reserve that internal storage for those purposes, as using external storage for PC emulation on Android can cause performance issues and/or crashes.
I personally feel that the screen on the Pocket S Mini is a little small for PC emulation and streaming, but don’t let that stop you from trying!
Installing Apps and Emulators
Now, it’s time to focus on getting your emulators set up. Remember when we had to find and install each emulator and system separately? Retro Handhelds remembers. Those days are long gone, unless you prefer that sort of journey.
Obtainium
Obtainium has made emulation and gaming software installation on Android an extremely simple process, with the help of the Obtainium Emulation Pack. Obtainium will provide links directly to developer sources and pages, cutting out the need to find and manage them yourself. Additionally, Obtainium will also keep tabs on these programs and alert you of any updates that need to be installed.
For an in-depth guide on Obtainium setup and configuration, please check out our Obtainium guide on our website.
BIOS Files
While the installation of emulators on your various handhelds will get you most of the way to your goal of playing games, some systems (most notably disc-based) require a BIOS in order to actually run the games. Systems on RetroArch will be mostly covered, but anything additional (PS2, GameCube, Saturn, Switch) will require some additional file placements.
While copyright law keeps us from telling you where to find these files, you can refer to our Recommended BIOS Files article for examples of BIOS files for each system, along with where they should be placed in your file structure.
Choosing a Launcher or Frontend
Choosing a launcher or frontend ultimately comes down to preference. There are several options to choose from, including the AYASPACE launcher built into the AYANEO Pocket S Mini, but it might be best to try a few different options and see what works best for your needs.
Beacon Game Launcher
My personal choice for frontend goes to Beacon Game Launcher. While it is a paid app ($2.99), which might turn some people off, it has been the one I consistently install on nearly all my devices. Beacon Game Launcher focuses on a simple, no-fuss setup and configuration, and aesthetically has been my favorite of several options that I’ve explored.
AYASpace Launcher
While I don’t personally use or recommend the AYASpace Launcher, it works and provides an option to integrate other frontends and display game libraries. This one feels a bit more DIY than simply choosing a frontend and launching games from that, so know going in that you may be doing a bit more tinkering if you choose this option.
Additional Options
Streaming Apps
This is going to depend entirely on your personal desktop/gaming PC and your home network, but the one that works the best for me is Artemis. Install Apollo on your streaming PC, and Artemis on your AYANEO Pocket S Mini, and follow this guide from Retro Game Corps to get things running. Again, the Pocket S Mini screen feels a little small for streaming, but it absolutely works with that G3X Gen 2 chip.
Moonlight/Sunshine is also an option, of which Apollo and Artemis are forks, and may work better for you depending on your home network situation. I just prefer and have had better experiences with Apollo and Artemis.
PC Emulation
If you followed the previous Obtainium section, you’ll have access to both GameHub Lite and GameNative. These are the two biggest apps in the Android PC Emulation space right now. GameNative, which is my preferred PC emulator, gives you access to your entire Steam library, including cloud saves. Our own Jim has an excellent How to Play Steam Games on Android guide if you want to set up GameNative.
Some people have more success with some games in GameHub Lite than GameNative, and vice versa, so feel free to download both and play around to see what works for you. As mentioned previously, the screen on the Pocket S Mini feels a little small for PC gaming, as that text is going to be tiny in many games, but the G3X Gen 2 chip can certainly handle the task!
Additional Recommended Apps
RetroAchievements is a completely community-driven way to earn achievements in retro video games, essentially giving a modern feel to our games of the past. While they can be a little divisive given their need for an always-online connection, it is a fun way to add a little extra layer of engagement to your gaming.
CHDroid allows you to convert ROM files into a compressed .chd format on the AYANEO Pocket S Mini itself. Most disc-based games, like PS2, Sega Saturn, Dreamcast, and PC Engine CD, can be converted to .chd and save a ton of space.
Quick Tips and Tricks
AYANEO Buttons
The Pocket S Mini has two function buttons near the left and right shoulder buttons (RC and LC). These can be adjusted via the AYANEO Menu below. We’ve got Start and Select under the D-Pad, and the AYANEO Menu button and Back button under the right analog stick.
The power button also has a fingerprint sensor, which I continue to enjoy from these AYANEO devices. However, be aware that the power button is on the upper-left of the device, instead of the usual upper-right. This threw me off a little when I first got the device.
AYANEO Menu
Clicking on the AYANEO “M” button will bring up a menu, where you get a mix of a monitoring and performance panel and quick-hit settings and adjustments.
- Performance
- Performance Selection (notice that Streaming is missing)
- Eco
- Balanced
- Gaming
- Max
- FPS Monitor
- CPU Temperature and Usage Percentage
- GPU Temperature and Usage Percentage
- Fan Speed
- Fan Mode
- Off
- Low
- High
- Full
- Custom
- Performance Overlay Toggle (shows minimized metrics on top screen)
- Performance Selection (notice that Streaming is missing)
- Controller
- Key Mapping toggle
- Vibration Adjustment
- Low
- Middle
- High
- Sound Vibration toggle
- Button Vibration toggle
- Trigger Adjustment
- Digital
- Linear
- Sensitivity Adjustment
- Joystick Adjustment
- Sensitivity Adjustment
- Invert Joystick
- Dead Zone toggle
- ABXY Layout
- Standard (Xbox)
- Japanese (Nintendo)
- Turbo Button Mapping
- Device
- Brightness Adjustment
- Volume Adjustment
- Airplane Mode toggle
- Bluetooth Toggle
- Wi-Fi toggle
- RGB Effects toggle
- Toggle
- Screenshot
- Bluetooth
- Force Landscape
- Auto-Rotate
- Do Not Disturb
- Airplane Mode
- Screen Recording
- Alarm
- Screen Casting
- Location
- Hotspot
- Data Saver
- Dark Mode
- Wi-Fi
- Settings
- Check for Updates
- Device Settings
- Android System Settings
How to Update Your AYANEO Pocket S Mini
To update the software on your AYANEO Pocket S Mini, follow these steps:
- Go to your AYANEO System Settings (steps found below)
- Find the System Update
- Any applicable programs that need to be updated will have a red Update icon next to them
- Once you select Update, a percentage icon will appear in red, showing progress
- Once updated, you will likely be booted from the AYANEO System Settings
- Return to the AYANE System Settings to update any subsequent programs
- Once all programs are updated, a No Updates Available message will appear
AYANEO System Settings
Clicking on the AYASetting icon (it looks like the regular Settings icon, they just threw “AYA” in there) will bring up the AYANEO System Settings. For anyone who’s had an AYANEO device before, you’re likely going to recognize these screens.
- Account
- Log in to your AYANEO account
- Performance
- Adjust performance modes
- Adjust fan modes
- Adjust CPU scheduling modes
- Adjust CPU limit
- Adjust GPU limit
- Lock GPU at max frequency
- Controller
- Reset controller
- Adjust RGB Effects
- Joystick calibration
- Adjust controller mode
- Adjust keyboard and mouse mode
- Setup custom keys (useful for those LC and RC function buttons near the shoulder buttons)
- Device
- Root script
- Device spoofing
- Screen Settings
- Virtual Memory Management
- Fan Settings
- Casting Settings
- Turn off Wi-Fi while screen is off
- Charging fan speed when screen is off
- Equalizer
- Custom
- Adjust system wallpaper
- Performance mode prompt
- Confirm before returning to desktop
- General
- System language
- Input Method
- Server
- System Update
- About
File Transfer: Solid Explorer
My go-to file transfer program has been Solid Explorer for a long time now. I enjoy the split-screen layout and the ease of copying and moving files. It is worth mentioning that this is a paid app ($5.99, though there is a 14-day free trial), but I’ve simply been unable to go back to other options after using Solid Explorer.
If you prefer a free option, MiXplorer is one that my colleague Nick has recommended before. It’s free, with a premium version called MiX Silver available, and it also works very well.
Conclusion
The AYANEO Pocket S Mini is a small, premium 4:3 handheld with excellent build quality and a powerful chip. Hopefully, this guide provided you with the tools necessary to enjoy your Pocket S Mini to the fullest, and we will continue to update this guide with more fun updates and projects as we come across them.
