On March 8, AYANEO CEO Uncle Tail hosted an online livestream, sharing highlights and providing a live demonstration of the newly released joystick-free retro handheld console, the Pocket MICRO Classic. This session offered players an in-depth look at the charming retro appeal of both the Pocket MICRO Classic and the Pocket MICRO product family.

The AYANEO Pocket MICRO Classic features a retro, joystick-free design, maintaining the design texture and core configurations of its joystick-equipped counterpart. It boasts a flagship-grade borderless full-screen display and a CNC aluminum alloy frame, offering an unparalleled level of refined texture in its category. The 3.5" 640P IPS true-color screen and excellent performance deliver a high-definition gaming world, allowing players to enjoy an authentic classic handheld gaming experience anytime, anywhere.

Configuration and Pricing

The AYANEO Pocket MICRO Classic in Shadow Black is available for pre-order starting at 179 Dollars. The limited edition Retro Gray and Retro Gold versions are priced at 239 Dollars. The first batch is expected to start shipping in mid-March, following the order sequence.

Retro Joystick-Free Design: The Best of Both Worlds

The AYANEO Pocket MICRO Classic continues the "Cyber Walnut" positioning of the Pocket MICRO series, with the most notable change being the classic joystick-free design. Its appearance more closely resembles classic pocket handheld consoles, exuding pure retro aesthetics that instantly transport players back to the joyful days of their childhood.

Additionally, the D-pad and ABXY buttons have been repositioned lower on the device, offering a reasonable layout. The soft, quick-rebound conductive rubber buttons allow players to return to a simple button-pressing operation, providing an immersive and uninterrupted gaming experience.

Moreover, the absence of a joystick means there's no obstruction, allowing players to smoothly slip the mini Pocket MICRO Classic into their pockets and carry it wherever they go. This convenience mirrors the ease of carrying a handheld console during childhood.

At the same time, as a mini handheld console capable of playing PS2 games and mobile games, many players still require joystick functionality. Therefore, the AYANEO software team has developed a new "D-pad Mode," which maps the D-pad to function as a joystick, enabling joystick-like operations.

Players can select either D-pad Mode or Left Joystick Mode through the AYA Quick Settings window, or by long-pressing the SE and = buttons for quick access. The Left Joystick Mode is compatible with more games that require a joystick, allowing players to experience convenient joystick operations via the D-pad, while still enjoying the retro aesthetic design without a physical joystick and the practical functionality of having one.

Classic Color Schemes with Full Texture

The AYANEO Pocket MICRO Classic comes in three classic color options: Retro Gold, Retro Gray, and Shadow Black. The Retro Gold version includes a special packaging sleeve, adding a sense of ceremony to the unboxing experience.

The Retro Gold color scheme, with its red and gold accents, perfectly captures the essence of the original handheld console, evoking the nostalgia of holding a classic device. The Retro Gray version pays homage to classic gaming consoles, offering a double dose of nostalgia on a mini handheld. The Shadow Black version exudes a deep, sophisticated texture, offering a timeless appeal.

The front of the device incorporates a restored classic logo, with the original console's wireframe and openings cleverly transformed into design elements. Against the backdrop of a single-piece glass panel, the modern craftsmanship recreates the retro appearance with superior texture.

Furthermore, the AYANEO Pocket MICRO Classic inherits flagship design and high-end craftsmanship. The borderless full-screen display provides an immersive viewing experience, while the CNC aluminum alloy frame ensures a build quality that far surpasses other products in its category. It combines an eye-catching retro aesthetic with reliable and durable quality.

Additionally, the AYANEO Pocket MICRO Classic is equipped with a 3.5" 640P IPS true-color screen, with a 960x640 resolution and a 3:2 aspect ratio specifically designed for GBA games. It offers color performance that is hard to match by other products in its category, paired with the powerful Helio G99 processor, allowing players to enjoy native 4X high-definition vivid game graphics that were never possible on the original GBA.

The Pocket MICRO Classic continues the border-embedded button design, placing commonly used SE, ST, AYA, and = buttons. While retaining classic design elements, it maintains a higher level of front-panel integration, making it easier for players to access these buttons during intense gameplay.

Moreover, based on feedback from Pocket MICRO users, we have optimized the structural design of the L1R1 and L2R2 buttons, adopting a new split-button design to avoid the issue of adjacent buttons being easily pressed simultaneously.

While optimizing the structure, the L1R1 and L2R2 buttons still feature the practical high-low button design, with the L2R2 buttons being relatively higher to help players distinguish between the two sets of buttons by touch. If this setup is not preferred, players can swap the button values in the AYASetting to adapt to different usage habits.

Of course, players can also freely set the ABXY button layout to either Japanese or American styles. Whether you prefer one layout or the other, the Pocket MICRO Classic can accommodate your preference, showcasing the unique charm of AYASpace's customizable buttons.

With the newly upgraded customizable button function, players can assign more system functions and quick-access applications to the = and RC buttons, such as one-click performance mode switching. Additionally, a single button can support multiple functions, triggered in sequence. Like the AYA button, long-press and short-press can trigger different functions, such as setting a short press to return to the desktop and a long press to open a specific application.

On-Site Shipping Surprise

After delving into the highlights of the Pocket MICRO Classic, Uncle Tail, as usual, brought a surprise for the players—on-site live shipping!

A large number of AYANEO Pocket Classics have already been packed and are ready to be shipped. Players who have participated in the pre-order will soon receive their beloved device and a gift pack, experiencing the joy of retro gaming on the go.

Pre-Order Gift Pack and Shipping Details

The pre-order event is in full swing. Players can visit the AYANEO Mall to participate in the pre-order, enjoying exclusive gift pack benefits and priority shipping privileges.

Participants in the pre-order event will receive a gift pack including practical items such as a mesh storage bag and a desk mat. Players who purchase the Retro Gold and Retro Gray limited editions will receive an additional exclusive leather case on top of the gift pack.

Pure Retro: Back to Basics

The AYANEO Pocket MICRO Classic is a perfect marriage of retro aesthetics and modern craftsmanship. It uses modern technology and leading design to create the most authentic classic experience, allowing players to relive the simplest operations and purest joys of their childhood memories.

The AYANEO Pocket MICRO Classic is also a co-creation that responds to players' desires, perfectly embodying the philosophy of "True Players Understand Players." In the future, AYANEO will continue to explore the fusion of retro aesthetics and modern art, creating more astonishing retro products for players. Stay tuned.

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Official Website: https://ayaneo.com.cn/