Zen 5-Powered Gaming Handheld Ayaneo 3 Debuts with Modular Controller, Starting at $699

Ayaneo, a well-known name in handheld gaming consoles, just rolled out the launch of its third-generation flagship device to backers via a crowdfunding campaign. This device is turning heads with its innovative modular controller design. Looking at its Indiegogo listing, the Ayaneo 3 boasts a variety of swappable modules. There’s the Standard Module, featuring joysticks, a D-pad, and traditional ABXY buttons. If you’re looking for something different, there’s a Touchpad Module where the joysticks are replaced with touchpads, and for fighting game aficionados, there’s a six-button fighting module replacing the right ABXY and joystick.

What sets Ayaneo 3 apart is the ability to mix and match these modules in multiple configurations—even allowing them to be installed upside down. This unique feature gives you 56 possible layout combinations, allowing you to tailor the console to suit your personal style and your gaming preferences. One minor hiccup, though, is that ejecting the module can be slightly tricky because it uses a motor. I’d prefer to have the device in my hands before drawing any conclusions on this feature.

In terms of performance, Ayaneo isn’t skimping. They’re integrating AMD’s newest processors into one of the variants, offering the console with options like the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU. This puts Ayaneo at the forefront, making it one of the first to harness such power in a handheld gaming system. Alternatively, gamers can opt for the AMD Ryzen 7 8840U processor if less power is enough for their gaming needs.

Discussing visuals, Ayaneo 3 provides a couple of screen options: a 7-inch 120 Hz LCD pushing up to 500 nits in brightness or a 7-inch 144 Hz OLED display capable of reaching 800 nits. Fortunately, these two screen types share the same pricing, letting you choose based on personal preference rather than cost. Memory configurations start at 16GB for the 8840U variant but can be expanded to a hefty 64GB with the HX 370 processor – fantastic for those who favor installing an extensive game library, as storage varies from 512GB up to an impressive 4TB.

Starting at $899 for the entry model, Ayaneo 3 quickly escalates in price, reaching $2,099 for the top-tier version. Keep in mind that extra controller modules aren’t part of the base package but are included in some 64GB/2TB variants. Thankfully, during the campaign, backers can snag discounts ranging from $200 to $300, making it an attractive offer for early adopters.

It’s noteworthy that the additional modules aren’t sold separately, so if you’re yearning for those extra customizing options, you’ll need to invest in the pricier configurations of the console. At present, Ayaneo’s crowdfunding goal of $50,000 has already been surpassed, signaling strong interest and paving the way for production. Historically, Ayaneo has delivered well on its promises, providing confidence that supporters will receive the product as expected.

As with any crowdfunding initiative, though, reaching the target doesn’t wholly guarantee a finished product in your hands, despite a company’s proven track record. By contributing now, you are essentially investing in the venture and sharing the startup risk in exchange for a discounted price—and the privilege of being among the first to own such an innovative piece of gaming hardware.