On the 35th anniversary of the original GameBoy’s American release, Ayaneo has finally launched their Indiegogo for their Pocket DMG and Pocket Micro. The specs for the Pocket DMG originally shared here on Retro Handhelds are now official.
However, there are some interesting changes and other improvements that could make it more desirable for those looking for a vertical emulation console. The Pocket Micro also offers a handful of touches that could make it perfect for Game Boy Advance emulation.
Pocket DMG: Let’s Break It Down
Ayaneo’s Pocket DMG originally gained attention for its style and premium appearance, one that rivaled that of the Analogue Pocket. However, where Analogue relies on FPGA, Ayaneo has taken a secondary approach. Instead, it has its eyes set on software emulation similar to what we see in the vast majority of retro handhelds.
Pocket DMG Colors
The specs mentioned on the page bear similarity to the original expectations. But there are some additional features meant to make the device stand out amongst its peers:
- Display: 3.92-inch OLED display
- Resolution: 1240 x 1080
- Processor: 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x Gen 2
- RAM: LPDDR5X 8GB
- Graphics: Adreno A32 @ 1GHz
- Battery: 6000mAhh
- Colors: Arctic Black, Moon White, Retro
- Extras: “Coastline” rear triggers. four-mode vibration, joystick touchpad, MicroSD card slot, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, USB 3.2 gen 2, adjustable scroll wheel, AyaHome and AyaSpace support
The touchpad is housed directly next to the single joystick found on the face of the device. Ayaneo says it is meant to control the perspective of mobile games, seeing as the device runs Android 13. Within the settings for the device, it can be altered to simulate mouse movement as well.
Pocket DMG Pricing and Configurations
There are also multiple versions that differ in internal storage and the additional SD card size. The Moon White and Arctic Black variations come with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard storage for an early bird price of $339. There’s also 12GB with 256GB of storage for $419, or 16GB with 512GB for $499. However, the limited edition Retro style will only be sold with 16GB of RAM and a whopping 1TB of storage for $589.
Check out the chart below to see the breakdown of prices through Indiegogo and directly from Ayaneo.
Pocket DMG Price Chart
AyaSpace and AyaHome are software-based settings and tweaks for the Ayaneo family of handhelds. They offer performance modes, vibration modes, button mapping, and cover art scraping. These few features alone can bridge the gap between a device being too confusing to utilize for its user base and making the process as simple as turning it on.
Ayaneo Pocket DMG at Indiegogo
Pocket Micro: The Micro Is Relative, the Power Is Superlative
The Pocket Micro, while announced at the same time, is more inspired by the small form factor found on the Game Boy Micro. Its size dwarfs the Game Boy Micro’s small footprint of 101 x 50 x 17.2mm and increases its length by over 50%.
Apart from its length, the Pocket Micro is relatively close to the original measurements of the Game Boy Micro with a noticeable 13mm added to its height, but only 0.8mm added to its overall depth.
The Pocket Micro’s official specs have also finally been shared:
- Display: 3:2 3.5-inch IPS display
- Resolution: 960 x 640
- Processor: 8-core MediaTek Helios G99
- RAM: LPDDR4X 4GB
- Battery: 2600mAhh
- Colors: Magic Black, Soul Red, Retro Gray
- Extras: MicroSD card slot, WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.2, adjustable scroll wheel, AyaHome and AyaSpace support
- Dimensions: 156 x 63 x 18mm
Similar to the Pocket DMG, the Pocket Micro offers three distinct variations as well. The Magic Black and Soul Red colorways can have either 6GB of RAM with 128GB of storage for $189 or 8GB with 256GB for $219. The Retro Gray is a limited edition only sold with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage for $249.
While mimicking the overall form of the Micro, the Pocket Micro takes it a step further with a direct 4x integer scale-up from the original Game Boy Advance — something we have not yet seen in retro handhelds.
Pocket Micro Quick Specs Chart
The AyaHome and AyaSpace support on the Pocket Micro is less capable than the one on the Pocket DMG — it lacks the vibration and performance mode options. Although, it does contain the same scraping, button mapping, and quick setup features.
Pocket Micro Pricing and Shipping
The chart below shows the price changes once early bird pricing ends. Plus it reveals how the price will differ when buying from Indiegogo vs. directly from Ayaneo.
Pocket Micro Price Chart
The Pocket Micro is estimated to begin shipping in September 2024 and the DMG is to follow with shipping in October 2024. Early-bird prices end after the first week, so from today until August 7, 2024. After that, prices increase varying by the place the device is purchased with Indiegogo prices being cheaper than those found officially.
Ayaneo Pocket Micro at Indiegogo
Ayaneo Pocket DMG & Pocket Micro: Extra Goodies
Early Bird purchases of either device also ship with a gift box that includes an enamel Ayaneo mug, a case, a portable stand, a plastic screen protector, a joystick cover, and a set of Ayaneo stickers.
You can purchase the Pocket DMG by pledging to the company’s Indiegogo campaign for the device. Or, if you are interested in the Pocket Micro, you can pledge to that campaign here.
Are you getting a Pocket DMG or Pocket Micro? Are you excited for “premium” retro handhelds to take off? Let us know in the comments below, and chat with us in our Discord!
This page may contain affiliate links, by purchasing something through a link, Retro Handhelds may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you.