Although the market features numerous portable gaming devices, horizontal models that support the classic 4:3 aspect ratio for beloved nostalgic games remain scarce. Ayaneo steps in with the upscale Pocket S Mini to meet this demand. Positioned as an authentic 4:3 retro console, it avoids distracting vertical black bars when running emulations of titles from the CRT TV period.
While options like the Anbernic RG405M and Ayaneo's Pocket Air Mini also include 4:3 displays, the Pocket S Mini elevates the experience through superior craftsmanship, boasting a solid metal body and protective glass overlay. The device sports a 4.2-inch LCD panel at 1,280 x 960 pixels, accompanied by RGB-equipped Hall effect analog sticks, Hall effect action buttons, and buttons with a distinctive crystal-like finish. At its core, it employs a Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 processor and draws power from a 6,000mAh battery.
Breaking from Ayaneo's common crowdfunding model, the Pocket S Mini is immediately accessible via their official site. Introductory pricing begins at $319 for the Obsidian Black or Ice Soul White editions, each with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. True to form, the Retro Power variant is limited to the premium setup of 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, priced from $479. The timeline for ending these launch discounts is uncertain, but regular retail costs will rise to $399 through $559.