Ayaneo Pocket Vert

AYANEO Pocket Vert - a vertical Android powerhouse that feels like a work of art

When we got our hands on the AYANEO Pocket Vert (in red) at RetroGear, I knew immediately: this is something different. A handheld that is truly amazing not only in form, ergonomics and specs but it also looks like a work of art. As we are used to from Ayaneo, it was a long wait, but as a backer of this device, we have some in stock which we of course reserve for our customers at RetroGear.

The processor is a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and is super powerful. With this device, you can easily play games up to Switch (depending on settings and emulator).

The screen is also of tremendous quality. With a resolution of 1600×1440 and a pixel density of 615 PPI, it can compete with screens like modern smartphones.

The case is made of aluminium and also feels very premium. Together with the cool design that is really totally different from anything else on the market, you know you are holding a work of art.

Key features

• Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor
• Super sharp screen: 1600×1440 (615 PPI)
• Premium aluminium housing with unique design
• Front touchpad for additional input
• Touchscreen display
• Silent, high-quality buttons with fine feedback
• Strong D-pad for fighters and shmups
• Analogue volume knob (nice oldschool turning)
• Android operating system with quick setup and emulators

Why the AYANEO Pocket Vert is special

Also special is the touchpad incorporated on the front of the device. You can use it as a replacement for mouse, joysticks or touchpad, or attach your own action to it. Of course, the screen is also touchscreen.

The buttons are quiet and, as we are used to, very good. The D-pad is perfect for both Street Fighter and shmups and the facebuttons have fine feedback. In addition, an analogue volume knob has been chosen and you turn the sound up or down just like before with the Game Boy.

The operating system is Android with, of course, all the luxuries we know from Ayaneo. Emulators are pre-installed and a simple setup helps you get gaming quickly.

I am very happy with it and have personally kept the 12G version in red. Perhaps overkill for what I will be playing on it, but it offers a lot of possibilities. By the way, the 8G version is more than enough for most systems. If you necessarily want to emulate Switch, the 12G is worth considering though.

Written by Jorne

What you get

• AYANEO Pocket Vert handheld
• USB-C charging cable

No ROMs are included. This is not allowed by law within the EU.

Specifications

• Processor: Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
• Operating system: Android
• Screen: 1600 × 1440, 615 PPI, touchscreen
• Casing: Aluminium
• RAM/Storage: 8 GB/128 GB or 12 GB/256 GB
• Extra: Front touchpad, analogue volume knob

Frequently asked questions

Which version should I choose: 8 GB or 12 GB?
8 GB is top for pretty much everything. 12 GB is interesting if you want to emulate especially heavily (like Switch) or multitask a lot at once.

Is this device suitable for fighters and shmups?
Yes, right. The D-pad and buttons are really nice for this.

Are there any games on it?
No. No ROMs are included. You install your own apps/emulators and use your own legal backups.

What is that touchpad on the front?
An extra input surface that you can use as mouse/controls or to hang actions on. Useful for streaming, menus and certain emulators.

Why buy from RetroGear

• Shipping from the Netherlands
• European guarantee
• Personal support for installation and use