Zen 5-Powered Ayaneo 3 Gaming Handheld with Modular Controller Debuts at $699

The latest venture from Ayaneo into the handheld gaming space is certainly turning heads with their third-generation flagship device. They’ve opted to funnel this launch through a crowdfunding platform, introducing an innovative twist with a modular controller design. As outlined on their Indiegogo page, the Ayaneo 3 shakes things up by offering three distinct modules: A Standard Module featuring the familiar joysticks, D-pad, and ABXY buttons, a Touchpad Module that replaces the joysticks, and a Fighting Module that swaps the right ABXY and joystick for six buttons.

This array of options doesn’t just end there; the true flexibility shines through with the ability to mix and match these modules, even installing them upside down. This design allows for a whopping 56 possible layout combinations, letting you fine-tune the handheld to your gaming style and personal preference. It’s a fascinating approach, though we’re a bit cautious about the device’s use of a motorized eject system for swapping modules. It sounds a bit more intricate than necessary, but seeing it firsthand should help solidify its practicality.

Beyond the controllers, Ayaneo isn’t holding back on power either. They’ve integrated AMD’s latest processor technology into the Ayaneo 3, becoming one of the pioneering devices to feature the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU in a handheld form. For those who might not need quite as much horsepower, there’s also an option to go with the more restrained AMD Ryzen 7 8840U chip.

Diving into the device specs, the Ayaneo 3 offers a plethora of configurations. You can choose between a 7-inch 120 Hz LCD that maxes out at 500 nits or a more vibrant 7-inch 144 Hz OLED screen that can reach up to 800 nits. Interestingly, both display types come at the same price point, leaving the choice to personal preference. When it comes to memory and storage, the starting point for the 8840U-equipped model is 16GB of RAM, but if you opt for the HX 370, that can stretch up to 64GB. Storage starts at 512GB but can be expanded to a substantial 4TB for those who loathe deleting games.

The Ayaneo 3’s pricing starts at $899 for the basic setup, which notably doesn’t include extra controller modules. But if you’re going for the top-tier specs, be prepared to shell out up to $2,099. However, during the crowdfunding campaign, there’s the potential to snag a discount ranging from $200 to $300.

If you’re eyeing the extra controller modules but aren’t keen on the high-end specs, there’s a catch. Ayaneo doesn’t offer these modules separately, making them exclusive to most configurations that bundle 64GB RAM and 2TB storage.

The campaign appears to be a hit already, crossing the $50,000 funding goal. Ayaneo’s track record bodes well for backers, instilling confidence that they’ll deliver the promised device. Yet, it’s worth remembering that when it comes to crowdfunding, hitting the target isn’t a surefire ticket to receiving a finished product. By backing the project now, you effectively become an investor, sharing in the risks of bringing this new device to market. The upside? You get a sweet discount and the chance to be among the first to own this trailblazing gadget.