Ayaneo unveils Pocket S Mini – a compact Android device for retro gaming
By Arthur Berg
Chinese manufacturer Ayaneo has launched the Pocket S Mini, a handheld device tailored for retro gaming enthusiasts. Its standout feature is a compact 4.2-inch screen with a rare 4:3 aspect ratio, ideal for playing classic games without any distortion or edge cropping.
The device boasts a 1280×960 LCD display that delivers crisp visuals perfectly suited to vintage consoles and handheld systems. Under the hood, it runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 platform built on a 4nm process, featuring an octa-core Kryo CPU paired with Adreno A32 graphics. The highest-end model packs 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 512GB UFS 4.0 SSD. To keep temperatures in check, the Pocket S Mini employs an active cooling system with a uniquely designed fan.
The chassis is crafted from a single block of metal with precision CNC milling, complemented by a toughened glass front panel. It weighs 305 grams and measures 167.1×77.85×18.5 mm. The controls include Hall-effect joysticks and triggers, a six-axis gyroscope, a D-pad with conductive rubber inserts, and crystal-textured ABXY buttons – all featuring customizable RGB lighting.
The Pocket S Mini runs Android 14 with Ayaneo’s custom interface featuring the AyaHome launcher, AyaSpace game hub, and AyaSetting utility for fine-tuning performance. Power comes from a 6000mAh battery supporting fast charging via Power Delivery. Connectivity options include a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port with DisplayPort 1.4 output, a microSD card slot, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, and a fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button.
The Pocket S Mini is now available for pre-order in three colors: white “Ice Soul,” black “Obsidian,” and a special retro-style finish. Pricing starts at $319 for the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage version, while the top-tier “Retro” edition with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage is priced at $479. Early buyers also get an exclusive accessory kit. Positioned as a higher-performance, premium alternative to devices like the Retroid Pocket and Anbernic RG, the Pocket S Mini combines nostalgia with modern hardware and build quality.
