Just after Christmas Eve, Ayaneo has been steadily unveiling more details about its upcoming Ayaneo 3 handheld device. The standout feature so far? Swappable control modules, which promise an unrivaled level of customization for handheld gaming enthusiasts. While the Victrix Pro BFG controller embraces a similar design ethos, bringing such adaptability to handhelds—especially with the tough hall-effect sensors in the analog sticks and triggers—is genuinely exciting.
Through various updates on Twitter and Discord, Ayaneo has been showcasing their new handheld. They even released a video highlighting different angles of the device and its innovative control modules. Back in November, we already learned that the Ayaneo 3 would be available with Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and Ryzen 7 8840U configurations. However, pricing and additional tech specs remain a mystery. More information is expected to be revealed in January, with an official launch slated for “Late January 2025.”
One remarkable aspect of the Ayaneo 3’s design is the flexibility of its control modules. Not only can they be swapped out, but they can also be inverted, and individual buttons can be completely replaced. This hyper-modular setup ensures the device can cater to any game genre that uses a controller. For instance, fans of six-button fighting games like Street Fighter—or those who enjoy classic Sega console games—will likely appreciate the six-face-button module. Meanwhile, modules featuring a touchpad are likely to enhance desktop-centric gaming experiences, especially with Steam Input integration.
While we’re still in the dark about pricing and more specifics, it’s hard to tell if the Ayaneo 3 will be worth the investment. The initial specs look promising, particularly for those on a budget who might go for the Ryzen 7 8840U paired with a 7-inch LCD instead of an OLED display. Whether this trade-off holds value will be clearer once pricing is disclosed. However, given its unique focus on modular input controls, the Ayaneo 3 seems poised to stand out against other high-end handhelds debuting next year.
And remember, if you want to keep updated with the latest in tech, be sure to check out Tom’s Hardware for the best news and in-depth reviews directly.
