Ayaneo 3 Debuts with Zen 5 Gaming Power and Innovative Modular Controller, Starting at $699

Ayaneo, a well-known name in the world of handheld gaming consoles, has just unveiled its third-generation flagship device for crowdfunding enthusiasts. This new model stands out with its revolutionary modular controller design. As detailed on their Indiegogo page, the Ayaneo 3 will come with three types of modules: a Standard Module equipped with joysticks, a D-pad, and ABXY buttons; a Touchpad Module that swaps the joysticks for a touchpad; and a Fighting Module featuring a six-button layout instead of the standard ABXY and joystick setup.

What’s really exciting is the level of customization the Ayaneo 3 offers. You can mix, match, and even reverse these modules, giving you a staggering 56 different layout combinations to choose from. This flexibility allows you to tailor the device to your own preferences and the demands of different games. One minor concern, however, is the reliance on a motor to eject the modules. This design choice could complicate the process a bit, but it’s something we’d like to see in action before forming a full opinion.

In addition to its innovative design, Ayaneo is also leveraging AMD’s latest technology in one variant of the Ayaneo 3. You have the option of equipping the console with an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU, marking a pioneering step in handheld gaming. Alternatively, there’s the choice of an AMD Ryzen 7 8840U processor if you’re not looking for an intense power experience.

When it comes to display and hardware options, the Ayaneo 3 offers several configurations. You can select between a 7-inch 120 Hz LCD screen with up to 500 nits of brightness and a more vivid 7-inch 144 Hz OLED screen that peaks at 800 nits. Notably, both display options are priced the same, leaving the decision purely to personal preference. Memory options start at 16GB with the Ryzen 8840U but can soar up to 64GB with the HX 370 variant. Storage ranges from 512GB to a whopping 4TB, accommodating gamers who dread having to uninstall their favorite titles.

Priced initially at $899 for the basic setup, the Ayaneo 3 can go up to $2,099 if you want the maximum specifications along with the extra controller modules. Fortunately, buyers can snag a $200 to $300 discount by purchasing during the crowdfunding campaign.

It’s important to mention that the less pricey versions don’t include the additional controller modules; these are reserved for most 64GB/2TB versions. At present, these modules aren’t sold separately, so opting for the more premium versions is the only way to get them.

Notably, Ayaneo has already exceeded its $50,000 crowdfunding target, suggesting that production is likely on track. With a strong history of delivering on promises, backers have good reason to feel optimistic about receiving their anticipated devices.

Investing in crowdfunded projects, however, always carries some risk. Even when targets are reached and the company is reputable, there’s no absolute guarantee of a finished product. By backing this project, you’re essentially investing in Ayaneo’s vision and sharing the risk of bringing a new innovation to market. In return, you get an early bird discount and the opportunity to be among the first batch of owners.