Since Christmas Eve, Ayaneo has been steadily releasing more details about its forthcoming Ayaneo 3 handheld console. The most exciting revelation thus far is the inclusion of interchangeable control modules, offering gamers unprecedented customization options. While the Victrix Pro BFG controller shares a similar design philosophy, applying this concept to handhelds is especially thrilling, particularly with the addition of robust hall-effect sensors in the analog sticks and triggers.
In the past few days, Ayaneo has shared a slew of Tweets and Discord updates, revealing glimpses of the Ayaneo 3 and its interchangeable control modules. They’ve even put out a video showcasing the unit from various angles, giving fans an excellent look at what’s in store. Back in November, it was disclosed that the Ayaneo 3 would be available in Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and Ryzen 7 8840U configurations. However, we’re still in the dark about pricing and additional technical specifications beyond the APU and the choice between an LCD or OLED screen. But, it’s anticipated that more details will emerge sometime in January, coinciding with an official launch event pegged for “late January 2025.”
The Ayaneo 3’s swappable control modules aren’t just modular—they’re also reversible. Individual buttons can be fully exchanged, making the handheld adaptable to virtually any game genre that works with a controller. For instance, fans of six-button fighting games, like Street Fighter, or enthusiasts of retro Sega console games, will likely appreciate the six-face-button module. In contrast, modules featuring a touchpad will cater to more desktop-oriented gaming experiences, especially with the aid of Steam Input.
As of now, without clear pricing information, it’s tough to determine if the Ayaneo 3 will be a worthwhile purchase. Nevertheless, its initial offerings seem versatile and potentially budget-friendly for users who might opt for the Ryzen 7 8840U alongside a 7-inch LCD as opposed to an OLED screen. Whether this trade-off will be justified remains uncertain until more information is released. However, the Ayaneo 3 certainly appears to be gearing up to compete with other high-end handhelds expected next year, particularly given its unique emphasis on modular input controls.
