Ayaneo, a brand that has carved out its own niche in the handheld gaming market, has revealed yet another device aimed squarely at fans of retro gaming. 
The new Pocket Air Mini is a compact Android-based handheld that dares to do what many competitors overlook: it embraces the 4:3 display format, a design decision that instantly speaks to anyone who grew up playing classic titles from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s.
At the heart of the Pocket Air Mini lies its display, which is arguably the star of the show. Measuring 4.2 inches across, the screen packs a 1280×960 resolution with the correct 4:3 aspect ratio, meaning classic games finally fill the display as intended – no black bars on the sides, no stretched graphics. This seemingly small choice makes a big difference, especially for purists who want their nostalgia preserved. The panel also impresses with 500 nits of peak brightness and 123% sRGB coverage, backed by professional-grade color calibration, ensuring both vibrancy and accuracy that many retro-inspired devices often ignore.
Performance-wise, Ayaneo has chosen the MediaTek Helio G90T chipset, a name that might sound like a blast from the past. True, it’s not the latest powerhouse, but for the world of emulation, the chip is more than capable. With active cooling via a small integrated fan, the device promises to maintain performance without thermal throttling, even when running more demanding emulators. This approach balances affordability with functionality, which is crucial when the goal is to deliver accessible retro gaming rather than chase flagship-level specs.
The design philosophy here is all about compact portability. At just 6.5 inches wide and 269 grams in weight, the Pocket Air Mini slips easily into a pocket or bag. Yet Ayaneo hasn’t skimped on controls: RGB Hall effect joysticks, Hall triggers, a proper D-pad, and rubber dome ABXY buttons offer tactile feedback reminiscent of classic consoles. Connectivity is generous too, with USB-C, a microSD slot for expanding storage, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5, and even the beloved 3.5mm headphone jack – a nod to both nostalgia and practicality. Powering it all is a 4500mAh battery, which should comfortably cover long retro gaming sessions.
On the software side, the Pocket Air Mini runs Android 11 layered with Ayaneo’s custom interface. It’s tailored toward retro enthusiasts, providing quick access to game libraries and popular emulator integrations without forcing users to wade through endless menus. This thoughtful software design makes the handheld approachable even for those who aren’t hardcore tinkerers.
Pricing might be the biggest surprise: the base model with 2GB RAM and 32GB storage starts at just $70, though many will likely skip straight to the 3GB + 64GB version for $80 – still exceptionally affordable in today’s handheld market. Three color options – Retro White, Aurora Black, and Retro Power – round out the package, with sales kicking off in October.
While some may poke fun at the use of an older chipset, Ayaneo’s Pocket Air Mini feels less like a compromise and more like a deliberate throwback to simpler gaming days. For anyone longing to replay their childhood favorites without distortion, at a price point that doesn’t sting, this quirky little handheld might be exactly what they’ve been waiting for.
4 comments
Not bad at all, cheap price and even has a headphone jack… some new phones dont lol
4:3 screen is a genius move, finally no ugly black bars ruining the nostalgia
Damn Ayaneo pumping handhelds like crazy, but this one actually looks kinda cool
Helio G90T lol, this chip itself feels retro, but for $80 I can’t complain 😂