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

Ayaneo has taken the handheld gaming world by storm with the launch of its third-generation flagship device through a crowdfunding effort. This latest model introduces a revolutionary twist: a modular controller design. According to its Indiegogo campaign, the Ayaneo 3 offers a Standard Module, equipped with joysticks, a D-pad, and the classic ABXY buttons. Additionally, there’s a Touchpad Module, which swaps out the traditional joysticks for a touchpad, and a unique fighting module that replaces the right joystick and ABXY buttons with a six-button setup.

What truly sets this device apart is the ability to mix and match these modules, even installing them upside down, creating an impressive 56 layout combinations. This flexibility allows players to tailor the console to fit their personal preferences or the needs of specific games. However, there’s a bit of a caveat. The Ayaneo 3 uses a motorized system to eject these modules, which might complicate the process more than necessary. We’ll reserve our final opinion until we can see it in action.

On the performance side, Ayaneo isn’t holding back. One variant of the Ayaneo 3 is powered by AMD’s newest Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU, marking the company as one of the pioneers in integrating this into a handheld gaming device. Alternatively, if you prefer a slightly tamer option, the AMD Ryzen 7 8840U processor is available.

The console comes in various configurations, offering gamers quite a bit of choice. There’s a 7-inch 120 Hz LCD, which delivers up to 500 nits of brightness, and a 7-inch 144 Hz OLED screen that can dazzle with up to 800 nits. Impressively, both screen types are priced the same, allowing users to choose based on preference without financial concern. In terms of memory, configurations start at 16GB for the 8840U, but if you go for the HX 370 model, you can boost that all the way to 64GB. Storage options kick off at 512GB, expandable to a whopping 4TB, perfect for those who loathe having to uninstall their games.

For pricing, the Ayaneo 3 starts at $899 for the base model, though it lacks the extra controller modules. However, if you go for the top-tier specs, the price could escalate to $2,099. A silver lining is the potential savings you could snag—up to $200 or $300 off—if you join in during the crowdfunding campaign.

It’s crucial to note that most of the more budget-friendly Ayaneo 3 configurations do not include these extra controller modules. These are reserved for the higher-end models, specifically those with at least 64GB of RAM or 2TB of storage. At the moment, Ayaneo doesn’t offer these modules as separate purchases, so if you set your heart on them, you’ll need to opt for the more expensive options.

As things stand, Ayaneo has already secured its funding goal of $50,000, indicating that the device is on its way to production. Ayaneo’s track record is strong, so backers are confident they’ll receive what they ordered.

That said, it’s important to approach any crowdfunded project with a dose of caution. Even if a campaign hits its target, there’s always an inherent risk that comes with backing a new product. By joining now, you’re investing in Ayaneo’s vision and sharing in the risk. Yet, the trade-off is a substantial discount and the chance to be among the first proud owners of this innovative console.