- Vertical console inspired by the Game Boy, with Android 12 and a focus on retro emulation.
- 3,33-inch LCD screen in 4:3, 960 x 720 resolution and MediaTek Helio G85 chip.
- Two versions: 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB, or 3 GB of RAM and 64 GB, expandable by microSD.
- Promotional price of $79 and $99; shipments expected by the end of October.
Ayaneo has expanded its catalog with a vertically oriented handheld console aimed at those who want to emulate classic games without breaking the bank. Called the Konkr Pocket Block, it's part of the Konkr line, the company's most affordable range. Its design is reminiscent of classic Game Boys, though it runs on Android 12 and is designed for emulator libraries and Google apps. This offering targets an audience that values small, lightweight, and affordable options in today's retro gaming market.
Unlike other consoles with widescreen displays and analog sticks, this model opts for a 4:3 aspect ratio and traditional controls. It doesn't aim to compete with high-end machines capable of running modern games, but rather to offer a simple experience for classic titles. Its focus is on portability and a low starting price , with two memory and storage configurations.
Vertical design with a Game Boy feel
The Konkr Pocket Block has a compact vertical format. It measures 113,2 x 77,4 x 19,8 millimeters and weighs about 165 grams. This small size allows it to be carried in a pocket or backpack without being cumbersome.
The Game Boy inspiration is clear: a D-pad on the left, ABXY buttons on the right, and no analog sticks. There are no analog sticks , which reinforces the retro feel and simplifies controls for games that don't require them.
The back features L1, R1, L2, and R2 triggers, along with Start and Select buttons and some customizable keys. The controls prioritize classic design over more modern layouts.
To maintain a slim profile, the device doesn't include a fan. Instead, Ayaneo uses a heatsink. Passive cooling aims to reduce noise and thickness, which makes sense for a console of this size.
4:3 screen and emulation-oriented hardware
The screen is a 3,33-inch LCD panel with a 4:3 aspect ratio, a resolution of 960 x 720 pixels, and a pixel density close to 360 pixels per inch. This combination is well-suited to older systems and avoids black bars on the sides of many games.
The processor is a MediaTek Helio G85, paired with a Mali-G52 MC2 GPU in some configurations. It's a chip used in entry-level mobile phones, sufficient for classic emulation, though not for demanding modern titles. Its performance is geared towards 8-bit and 16-bit games, and PS1 and PSP games with some tweaking.
There are two versions: 2GB of LPDDR4X RAM with 32GB of storage, and 3GB of LPDDR4X RAM with 64GB. Both support microSD cards for expanding the library. The microSD slot is key to not relying solely on internal memory.
Android 12, Ayaneo software and controls
The operating system is Android 12, not a Linux distribution. This allows you to install emulators, apps, and games available in the Google ecosystem. The software layer includes AYASpace, AYAHome, and AYASetting.
AYASpace focuses on organizing libraries and emulation platforms; AYAHome is used to customize the interface; and AYASetting manages system options. These tools aim to eliminate the need for users to configure everything from scratch.
In terms of hardware, it features stereo speakers, a linear motor for haptic feedback, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.0. It also includes a USB-C port and a 3,5mm headphone jack. Connectivity is what you'd expect from a budget device of this type.
The battery has 3.500 mAh and charges via USB-C. With a small screen and modest hardware, the battery life should be sufficient for retro gaming sessions without constantly needing a charger.
Price, availability and accessories
During the launch promotion, the 2GB RAM/32GB storage version starts at $79, while the 3GB RAM/64GB storage version is priced at $99. Afterward, the expected prices will increase to $89 and $109, respectively. Pre-orders can be placed on the official Ayaneo website.
The first shipments are expected at the end of October. An official price in euros has not yet been announced for Europe and Spain ; however, the basic promotional version is currently priced at around 70 euros.
The available colors are Original Grey, Atoms White, and Cube Purple. The console isn't designed to run current games smoothly, but rather to offer a small and affordable machine for emulation. This balance between performance and price is its main selling point.
What does it offer compared to other retro laptops?
The Konkr Pocket Block lacks analog sticks and an active fan, two decisions that define its character. Its design is closer to a handheld console for older games than a device for recent titles.
Expandable storage and microSD support help you build a large library without relying on the cloud. Android 12 also makes it easy to install various emulation apps and organizational tools.
The 4:3 aspect ratio and 960 x 720 pixel resolution allow for the playback of many classic systems without noticeable distortion. For PSP games or more demanding platforms, performance will depend on the title and the selected settings.
Compared to high-end models that exceed $1.000, this option remains in a much more affordable segment. It's not a machine for everything , but it is a viable option for simple, portable emulation.
The Ayaneo Konkr Pocket Block is presented as a vertical console inspired by the Game Boy, featuring Android 12, a 3,33-inch 4:3 LCD screen, a Helio G85 chip, and two memory configurations. Its promotional price starts at $79, and the first shipments are expected by the end of October, with international availability primarily through the Ayaneo store. Those looking for classic emulation without spending a fortune will find a small and simple alternative here, albeit with clear limitations compared to more powerful systems.