As the holiday season wound down, Ayaneo was busy unveiling more about its upcoming Ayaneo 3 handheld game console. The standout feature that caught everyone’s attention is the ability to swap out control modules, paving the way for unprecedented customization in handheld gaming. We’ve seen similar concepts with devices like the Victrix Pro BFG controller, but it’s exciting to see this level of flexibility make its way into the handheld market. Not only that, but the inclusion of durable hall-effect sensors in both the analog sticks and triggers elevates this innovation even further.
Ayaneo has been sharing sneak peeks through Twitter and Discord, and they’ve even released a video that gives a fuller picture of the device’s design, including those interchangeable control modules. Last we heard in November, we knew the Ayaneo 3 would ship with options for either the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 or the Ryzen 7 8840U configurations. What’s still missing, though, is any word on pricing or further tech specs beyond the advanced processing units and the choices between LCD and OLED screens. However, more detailed information is anticipated to drop during their official launch event set for late January 2025.
Another exciting design element of the Ayaneo 3 is the degree of modularity it offers—those swappable controls aren’t just removable; they can be inverted, and individual buttons can also be replaced. This modularity allows gamers to adapt the controller to better suit different genres. For instance, fans of six-button fighting games like Street Fighter might appreciate the available six-face-button module, while those who enjoy desktop-like play might find modules featuring touchpads particularly useful, especially when paired with Steam Input.
As intriguing as these features are, we’re still in the dark about whether the Ayaneo 3 will be a wise purchase until we see some figures. The initial offerings do appear versatile, with some potentially more budget-friendly choices, like opting for the Ryzen 7 8840U with a 7-inch LCD instead of an OLED. Of course, whether this ends up being a good value is something we can’t determine until the prices are out. Nevertheless, it does seem poised to hold its own against other high-end handhelds anticipated to launch next year, especially with its unique focus on modular input options—a feature that might appeal to gamers looking for personalized control experiences.
