What's your thoughts on the Pocket S? Stay tuned for Pocket Micro, DMG and EVO vids (soon TM)! Derek's UNCUT in 4K version of this vid: ua-cam.com/video/4jZaRiV91t8/v-deo.html (Apologies on some of the jumpy cuts, and short lived specs / price sheet pop-ups, we blame tired Stubbs -- for most things really. Check Derek's original uncut video above for 7 minutes of extra info goodness!)
I bought one of these and have been using it for a few months now and TBH it has become my preferred portable device (as you said, if you can afford it as your second device it might work for you); it is great for using on my 2 x 30 minute train rides as the weight / size /screen size factors "works". I mainly play RPGs (with lots of menu navigating using the D-pad) and Action RPGs so the d-pad is fine for my purposes, but I can imagine fighting game specialists may be disappointed. The biggest surprise for me has been the performance of Sega Saturn emulation which for me I am finding that the games are running a lot better than on the Steam Deck; it has become my go-to device for that kind of emulation. I am also really satisfied with the battery life and able to just not thinking about charging for a long time. I acknowledge the price wise it is up there and anyone who is comfortable with the form factor of the Odin 2 and has that device already would probably be advised to stay away. If I had not bought this then I would have considered getting the Odin 2 Mini.
I just ordered the Evo, it’s going to be my first AyaNeo device. The price is a little bit steep, but it’s basically my ultimate handheld. Powerful like Odin, but with a better screen and full size analog sticks for local game streaming
Weird that people don't like this DPAD. I have had over 25 handhelds and this is clearly the best DPAD of them all. Odin2, ROG Ally, whatever, included. It's just perfect. Once i got this in my hands, i got rid of the Odin2 and i don't miss it one bit, this is a far better experience. Well done Ayaneo (now, those prices... ugh).
I see you have moonlight installed, could you maybe make a small video showing the game streaming performance (comparing the ayaspace game modes, bitrate, frame pacing..)? currently nobody has reviewed that aspect of the Pocket S and many people are interested on it :)
Good video good format! I still have the same concerns about this device. I’m not sure the price to performance especially when compared to an Odin2 or a SD.
I got a 16/512G 1080p one. I really like the design, but quality control still leaves much to be desired. The display has a 1mm band on the right edge, top to bottom that doesn't render properly. That area just copies whatever pixels are immediately on the left of it. Dead zone is unnecessarily large, and you can't adjust it. Near one of the bottom screw there is a little gap between frame and back plate as if something is pushing from inside. The graphics driver is not mature yet. Wuthering waves crash consistently when you look at some particular landscape, most probably due to driver issues as I dont have the same problem on my RP4 pro. Switch emulation performance is solid but some games have driver issues. Turnip fixes issues for some games, but still not there yet. This was my first Ayaneo device, and most probably, it will be the last. The huge difference between indiegogo price and retail price induces FOMO. You feel like you dont have enough time to make informed decision.
I wish this had a 90-120hz panel, considering the cost & specs. I don't mind it not being OLED, but I would've really liked a high refresh screen. If this also had support for SIM/LTE, this could've replaced my phone.
From what I’ve heard unfortunately Qualcomm licensing costs for wireless are in the millions of dollars so it wasn’t feasible to happen for these devices (pocket s/evo).
@@iTheBeep the Razer edge , is the only device in my head that has an option for data service, that some would use as a phone replacement. the cost for these companies to obtain data capabilities, is far too high.
I did install it through Google Play, yes. I know there are intermittent issues with play protect on the device (sometimes a restart helps). According to Ayaneo they are working on the Google Play Certification process, but it remains to be seen when/if that occurs.
@@bassderek Well for me any restart doesn't work. I hope they are really working on it, because most of my paid games I can't install in the pocket S. It's a big let down...
@@bassderek Oh that's awesome! That's what I don't like about some of these companies, I have the original Odin, since the Odin 2 came out, no more updates! They push these things out so often, that their support lacks after a few months, glad to see this one is still getting updates!
Aya should honestly have scrapped this, the DMG, and the micro, and put all their focus on the EVO. The EVO actually looks like good competition for the Odin 2.
Agreed, all three Handheld's are Garbage. The DMG is neither Retro or Ergonomic, the Micro is a brick with buttons slapped on it, and the Pocket S is an iPhone with buttons slapped on it.
@@Pridetoons For me I personally don’t agree. I think it depends on the form factor and what you’re looking for. The Odin 2 is a large form factor ergonomics -focused little to no compromise android handheld, as is the Evo (and arguably a better option given the larger 120hz HDR OLED screen, slightly More weight and better battery) while the pocket S is more so a medium/mini type android handheld similar to the Odin 2 mini. Then you have the micro which is more so those who want an Anbernic or Miyoo style miniature with less power; and the DMG for both small sizel, and the novelty of a vertical device and lightweightness. There is some overlap when it comes to the chipset for three of them (Evo, S, and DMG) but other than that they have a different usecase and lifestyle they fit.
@@user-to1su2iy4d yeah. Evo 8600mAh vs Odin 2 8000mAH. Then there’s a question of efficiency of an OLED versus an IPS panel, so even things out even with a larger screen kind of similar to Switch OLED having better battery than the revision/Original Switch.
I've sent mine off for RMA, had this annoying issue where emulator performance was extremely slow and stuttery until I slept then unslept the device, then it would be fine. I would have to do this every time I launched a game however so it got annoying fast. Also my joysticks kept drifting!
That's a reasonable take. It's not bad most of the time, but games where you need to go into the menu often, re training my left hand to reach down for start instead of my right hand is annoying.
I’m glad I passed on this for sure. I picked up the AYANEO EVO instead. This just looked like a waste of money. The thumb sticks didn’t make sense at all. For that price come on now.
I simply can't justify the price for what this thing can do considering the overheating. This company is way overrated and overpriced. I rather give my money to Asus/Lenovo knowing that support is much better in the US and that prices are reasonable for what you get.
There's just no place for an emulation handheld at that price point. In a world where you can buy a Steam Deck for €400, the upper limit for these handhelds in €300 all in.
Don't be fooled by the pretty look, this device still needs months if not years of testing/fixing. As of now it is a gorgeous looking piece of garbage.
We need budget handheld like this to play PS3 games atleast Not android games When these retro reviewers stop doing review of these android handhelds Then maybe manufacturer's think best budget device for all rpcs3 game's
You're not going to get budget PS3 anytime soon, the power needed to properly emulate it is not available at a budget price let alone on something this size.
So a less ergonomic design, worse cooling, and a chip that, while stronger, is capped by software and worse cooling with a bezelless screen and a higher price tag?
You said bezel less screen like it's a downside 😂 😂 😂 Also people are way too dramatic about the supposed lack of ergonomics. It's literally no different than a Nintendo switch Also the Temps are entirely reasonable. Yeah it gets warm but it's not outlandish at all. People hear that it's gets warm and automatically assume it's bad. @@Golden_Deus
What's your thoughts on the Pocket S? Stay tuned for Pocket Micro, DMG and EVO vids (soon TM)!
Derek's UNCUT in 4K version of this vid: ua-cam.com/video/4jZaRiV91t8/v-deo.html
(Apologies on some of the jumpy cuts, and short lived specs / price sheet pop-ups, we blame tired Stubbs -- for most things really. Check Derek's original uncut video above for 7 minutes of extra info goodness!)
He has very handsome hands
@@JosephTheRockerWhy, thank you! 🙏
The Pocket S is Golden Trash.
I bought one of these and have been using it for a few months now and TBH it has become my preferred portable device (as you said, if you can afford it as your second device it might work for you); it is great for using on my 2 x 30 minute train rides as the weight / size /screen size factors "works". I mainly play RPGs (with lots of menu navigating using the D-pad) and Action RPGs so the d-pad is fine for my purposes, but I can imagine fighting game specialists may be disappointed.
The biggest surprise for me has been the performance of Sega Saturn emulation which for me I am finding that the games are running a lot better than on the Steam Deck; it has become my go-to device for that kind of emulation. I am also really satisfied with the battery life and able to just not thinking about charging for a long time.
I acknowledge the price wise it is up there and anyone who is comfortable with the form factor of the Odin 2 and has that device already would probably be advised to stay away. If I had not bought this then I would have considered getting the Odin 2 Mini.
I just ordered the Evo, it’s going to be my first AyaNeo device. The price is a little bit steep, but it’s basically my ultimate handheld. Powerful like Odin, but with a better screen and full size analog sticks for local game streaming
Weird that people don't like this DPAD. I have had over 25 handhelds and this is clearly the best DPAD of them all. Odin2, ROG Ally, whatever, included. It's just perfect. Once i got this in my hands, i got rid of the Odin2 and i don't miss it one bit, this is a far better experience. Well done Ayaneo (now, those prices... ugh).
I like it a lot, but can understand why some people don't!
Yeah, I love the dpad on my Pocket S. It's also placed in a more comfortable position than the one on the Odin 2 and Odin 2 Mini.
I see you have moonlight installed, could you maybe make a small video showing the game streaming performance (comparing the ayaspace game modes, bitrate, frame pacing..)? currently nobody has reviewed that aspect of the Pocket S and many people are interested on it :)
Yeah, without an OLED screen and after my experience with the pocket air I’m happy I skipped this one and went with the Odin 2 Mini Pro
Great video Derek. I like the format of your Pros/Cons/Considerations screen
Nice! Thanks derek. Great review 🙂
Great video and awesome device overview! Love the considerations too. Plenty of things to think about when buying devices that arent black and white.
Good video good format! I still have the same concerns about this device. I’m not sure the price to performance especially when compared to an Odin2 or a SD.
Awesome review! This might just replace my Retroid Pocket Flip. WOW
I got a 16/512G 1080p one. I really like the design, but quality control still leaves much to be desired. The display has a 1mm band on the right edge, top to bottom that doesn't render properly. That area just copies whatever pixels are immediately on the left of it. Dead zone is unnecessarily large, and you can't adjust it. Near one of the bottom screw there is a little gap between frame and back plate as if something is pushing from inside. The graphics driver is not mature yet. Wuthering waves crash consistently when you look at some particular landscape, most probably due to driver issues as I dont have the same problem on my RP4 pro. Switch emulation performance is solid but some games have driver issues. Turnip fixes issues for some games, but still not there yet.
This was my first Ayaneo device, and most probably, it will be the last. The huge difference between indiegogo price and retail price induces FOMO. You feel like you dont have enough time to make informed decision.
My daily driver and favorite current way to play 3X 3DS games. Great video friend~
I wish this had a 90-120hz panel, considering the cost & specs. I don't mind it not being OLED, but I would've really liked a high refresh screen.
If this also had support for SIM/LTE, this could've replaced my phone.
From what I’ve heard unfortunately Qualcomm licensing costs for wireless are in the millions of dollars so it wasn’t feasible to happen for these devices (pocket s/evo).
@@iTheBeep the Razer edge , is the only device in my head that has an option for data service, that some would use as a phone replacement. the cost for these companies to obtain data capabilities, is far too high.
Nice review! By the way, did you installed Dead Cells through Google play? Because on my device it says it's not compatible 😅
I did install it through Google Play, yes. I know there are intermittent issues with play protect on the device (sometimes a restart helps). According to Ayaneo they are working on the Google Play Certification process, but it remains to be seen when/if that occurs.
@@bassderek Well for me any restart doesn't work. I hope they are really working on it, because most of my paid games I can't install in the pocket S. It's a big let down...
If I was more tech savvy and didn't mind control mapping I would have gotten this but I got the rp4 pro. Which I love but this looks so nice.
Great review BassDerek! Welcome to the fold!
Ayn sure could learn something from Ayaneo, their software is way more mature than Ayn's.
They pushed another update just in the time since I filmed this, have to give them props for that!
@@bassderek Oh that's awesome! That's what I don't like about some of these companies, I have the original Odin, since the Odin 2 came out, no more updates!
They push these things out so often, that their support lacks after a few months, glad to see this one is still getting updates!
Saw the price and i was nope. Got the razer edge 5g for $150 brand new im good for now for all my retro gaming needs
I already have an expensive flat Handheld and I barely use it because it's too flat.
Aya should honestly have scrapped this, the DMG, and the micro, and put all their focus on the EVO. The EVO actually looks like good competition for the Odin 2.
Agreed, all three Handheld's are Garbage.
The DMG is neither Retro or Ergonomic, the Micro is a brick with buttons slapped on it, and the Pocket S is an iPhone with buttons slapped on it.
The Evo looks fantastic
@@Pridetoons For me I personally don’t agree. I think it depends on the form factor and what you’re looking for. The Odin 2 is a large form factor ergonomics -focused little to no compromise android handheld, as is the Evo (and arguably a better option given the larger 120hz HDR OLED screen, slightly
More weight and better battery) while the pocket S is more so a medium/mini type android handheld similar to the Odin 2 mini. Then you have the micro which is more so those who want an Anbernic or Miyoo style miniature with less power; and the DMG for both small sizel, and the novelty of a vertical device and lightweightness. There is some overlap when it comes to the chipset for three of them (Evo, S, and DMG) but other than that they have a different usecase and lifestyle they fit.
@@Akaraah The EVO has a better battery than the Odin 2? Say less
@@user-to1su2iy4d yeah. Evo 8600mAh vs Odin 2 8000mAH. Then there’s a question of efficiency of an OLED versus an IPS panel, so even things out even with a larger screen kind of similar to Switch OLED having better battery than the revision/Original Switch.
I've sent mine off for RMA, had this annoying issue where emulator performance was extremely slow and stuttery until I slept then unslept the device, then it would be fine. I would have to do this every time I launched a game however so it got annoying fast. Also my joysticks kept drifting!
Even the rg cubes fan keeps it cool when that gets little bit warm after 1 OR 2 HOURS of use 😂
Gameloft Classics 20 2020!!!
60hz screen is wild at this price
I love that they are on the bottom because then I won't hit them during gameplay.
That's a reasonable take. It's not bad most of the time, but games where you need to go into the menu often, re training my left hand to reach down for start instead of my right hand is annoying.
Does wuthering waves work on it?
I’m glad I passed on this for sure. I picked up the AYANEO EVO instead. This just looked like a waste of money. The thumb sticks didn’t make sense at all. For that price come on now.
I simply can't justify the price for what this thing can do considering the overheating. This company is way overrated and overpriced. I rather give my money to Asus/Lenovo knowing that support is much better in the US and that prices are reasonable for what you get.
Why do they call this "Pocket"? This is not pocketable. Is it because one needs a deep pocket to buy this? 😂
It's a bit of a strange wording, yes. But as far as their brand goes - "Pocket" is what they call all their Android devices.
@@bassderek I mean ... they're calling the Evo "pocket" as well.
@@chemicalburrito782 Right, and it's also android. All their android devices get the Pocket prefix to their name. Does it make sense? Not really.
The Evo bit is code wording for even more expensive than the $600 they want for the retro color way of the pocket dmg 😂
No dpad input? Count me output
I’ll just stick with my Ayaneo pocket air plays retro & most windows games & oled screen
I hate my Ayaneo Pocket S... how come playing Vulkan and or OpenGL is so slow on this handheld??? Can anyone tell me what I'm doing wrong?
What are you trying to play?
@@retrohandhelds Ace Combat 5: Unsung War.... it works perfectly on the RP4Pro...
There's just no place for an emulation handheld at that price point. In a world where you can buy a Steam Deck for €400, the upper limit for these handhelds in €300 all in.
Don't be fooled by the pretty look, this device still needs months if not years of testing/fixing. As of now it is a gorgeous looking piece of garbage.
We need budget handheld like this to play PS3 games atleast
Not android games
When these retro reviewers stop doing review of these android handhelds
Then maybe manufacturer's think best budget device for all rpcs3 game's
You're not going to get budget PS3 anytime soon, the power needed to properly emulate it is not available at a budget price let alone on something this size.
Im sorry ANYBODY that buys anything other than an x86 device from Ayaneo is insane
Very small buttons, and dont like the white one.
Negative the F price !!!
Disappointing to see the community shun well designed devices.
The price is prohibitive for many, but you can't deny the premium design.
it aint that well designed because they didnt include proper cooling
Alright, alright, I'll get a steam deck
Ew lmfao Zen 2 720p cinderblock. Basically a glorified Nintendo switch
@@const3llations_370 bro everything has pros and cons, I get choice paralysis, either spend a fortune or get Fomo
This should have been the ayn odin 2 refresh, not the mini
So a less ergonomic design, worse cooling, and a chip that, while stronger, is capped by software and worse cooling with a bezelless screen and a higher price tag?
@@Golden_DeusI actually find the pocket s more comfortable than the Odin 2, but that’s a personal preference thing.
@bassderek complete fair!
You said bezel less screen like it's a downside 😂 😂 😂
Also people are way too dramatic about the supposed lack of ergonomics. It's literally no different than a Nintendo switch
Also the Temps are entirely reasonable. Yeah it gets warm but it's not outlandish at all. People hear that it's gets warm and automatically assume it's bad. @@Golden_Deus
@@bassdereksame. Feels much better in my hands than the odin 2. People are so dramatic about the ergonomics on these devices.
please don’t clone others’s style
Who's style is this cloning ?
This is a very late review of a generally disliked system….. (thanks I guess ?)
I don't know that I would say it's generally disliked other than on a price basis. People who actually own one have mostly positive impressions.
Yes count me as a fan of this device...