With the holiday season just behind us, Ayaneo is turning heads with exciting news about its upcoming Ayaneo 3 handheld device. What’s really grabbing attention is the innovative addition of swappable control modules, a feature that promises to take handheld gaming customization to levels we haven’t seen before. While we’ve seen similar concepts in the gaming world, like the Victrix Pro BFG controller, it’s refreshing to see such flexibility introduced to handhelds. Plus, with robust hall-effect sensors on the analog sticks and triggers, gamers are in for a solid treat.
Not holding back, Ayaneo has been active in sharing more details about the Ayaneo 3. Through a flurry of Tweets and activity on Discord, they’ve introduced us to what the device has to offer. A video showcasing the various angles and features of the control modules gives us a glimpse into how this handheld might revolutionize gameplay. Back in November, we learned that the device would ship with Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and Ryzen 7 8840U configurations, offering options for different preferences and needs. We’re still waiting on further tech specifics and pricing details, which they promise to reveal during the official launch set for late January 2025.
The Ayaneo 3 shakes things up with its swappable control modules. You can invert the modules or even swap individual buttons, offering gamers unprecedented levels of control. This flexibility is bound to appeal to fans of various gaming genres. For instance, lovers of six-button fighting games like Street Fighter, or retro Sega games, will appreciate the six-face-button module. Meanwhile, modules with touchpads open up opportunities for those who prefer desktop-style gaming, especially with the possibilities offered by Steam Input.
Of course, without pricing details, it’s hard to say definitively if the Ayaneo 3 will be a must-buy. Early signs suggest it could be a versatile option that doesn’t break the bank, particularly for those opting for the Ryzen 7 8840U configuration paired with a more budget-friendly 7-inch LCD. However, only time will tell if these trade-offs are worthwhile. Given its unique modular input focus, the Ayaneo 3 is likely to hold its ground against other high-end handhelds set to release next year.
