AYANEO Pocket DMG: Game Boy for Adults

The AYANEO Pocket DMG is a dream handheld -- it has a beautiful screen, powerful processor, and some of the most premium design language I've ever seen on a vertical handheld. But all of this premiumness comes at a price, and in this video we'll do a deep-dive review to see whether or not it's a good match for you (and your poor, poor wallet).

This was a review unit sent to me by the manufacturer. All opinions are my own, they did not see this review ahead of time, and no money was exchanged in any way.

Ways to support this channel:

00:00 introduction
01:09 price and specs
04:20 unboxing and impressions
06:47 controls and I/O
15:14 ergonomics and size
17:28 screen and audio
21:27 software experience
25:03 benchmarks
27:17 retro emulation
33:14 PS1, N64, DC, Saturn
35:14 NDS, 3DS, and PSP
37:07 GC, Wii, and PS2
40:30 Wii U and Switch
42:00 Android games and streaming
43:44 docked mode
45:24 battery life
46:54 summary (likes and dislikes)
51:12 conclusion

Theme song written by Jim Gray of Our Ghosts:

^^ use code "RGC10" for 10% off your order

This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only.

#AYANEO #retrohandheld #gameboy #emulation

[RetroGameCorps]

Yep, it’s a long one. The price point and build quality warranted the deeper dive.

[ZaneH]

Am I in the market for another handheld? No.

Am I still going to watch this video because I love Russ' videos? Yes.


Edit: HOLY that's expensive LOL.

[beeseechurger]

I certainly thought it was gonna be “high” at 150 or 200, like the analogue. That’s actual insanity.

[otakon]

Jeeze, for that price I might as well get a Steamdeck.

[ThomasZElliott]

Finally a fully fledged review on this!
Thank you for your effort on this review, I have been severely wondering and tempted by this thing and frankly still am (I think im the niche it fits, although not the most expensive model.. wow).

[mattfick]

That price is insane to me, but I think the device represents a strength of the modern handheld industry: there is something for everyone. And if there isn't, there will be next week thanks to Anbernic.

I guarantee this perfectly matches someone's tastes and use case, and they can justify the price.

It's not for me at all, but I'm glad it exists for someone.

Great video Russ!

[mattb]

Good video, Russ! I remember having the same experience as a kid in the early '90s. I had friends and cousins that let me sometimes borrow their GameBoy and Game Gear. The ability to play video games anywhere was pretty revolutionary for the time. It still boggles my mind that you can play almost anything now on a portable gaming device with little hassle!

[BrandonTweed]

Fantastic review, and so detailed! But I've not seen a single review for this thing addressing the missing headphone jack.

[neonfuture]

It looks cool, but I wish it wasn’t so expensive 😭

[coopergreen]

There is no use case to justify that price point. Insane

Great video tho :D

[Bahmetus]

Android handheld with a price of steam deck, small screen, 8:7 aspect ratio and no second analog stick

As one wise man once said: "What were they thinking?"

also respect to Russ for name the price right off the gate

[ismaxz]

Thanks Russ for your work and dedication. I fell in love with the design of this handheld at first sight and i ordered one thanks to your video. I’m a game boy fan and also a collectionist, i have all Nintendo and Sony handhelds and home consoles, a Sega Game gear, a Neo geo pocket color, three Retroid pocket devices (3+, 4 pro and the mini), a Miyoo mini, A30 and a Rog Ally. All the retro handhelds that own were purchased thanks to your videos and recommendations. I feel that the AYANEO Pocket DMG is the piece that is missing from my collection.

[turnbasedtoddy]

I think the early bird base price is fair as it’s almost priced the same as the Odin 2 but them jacking the price up after launch and locking the retro color behind the most premium option is just shady to me and makes me not want to buy anything from the company. Little anti-consumer things like that really rub me the wrong way.

[inellly]

Fantastic review. I've been looking for a GameBoy-like device that not only hits me in the nostalgia feels, but can also play modern mobile titles. This looks to be it. Can't wait for my preorder to ship 👍🏿

[xxGSII]

Finally, a good review on this device. Thanks Russ, you never disappoint

[jeremy__hopkins]

Thanks Russ and I appreciate all the extras included in this review. It helped give a better idea of the DMG and definitely seemed like a lot of extra work. Again, all very much appreciated.
Putting aside issues of cost and niche, my issue is the the design. If the trackpad and stick were replaceable like the GPD XP+ and people could slot in different controls in different configurations, that would help. Or if AYA NEO would like to stick with static controls in a vertical handheld with this chipset, my advice would be to look up the design of the Famicom G-boy. That would change some of the nostalgia, it would be less like a premium Gameboy and more like a new Gamecube and Wii specific handheld. In that case, I would encourage AN to really lean in go with the Gamecube button layout. Considering the expense of a custom G-Boy, this would be something special and the chipset/screen would match the emulation use case. Either that or I'm still pushing for a Sega Nomad inspired design with clicky NGPC style stick. If LCL can make NEOGEO Pocket Color emulation handheld, recreate the stick and not have it cost an insane amount of money, it has to be possible for one of these companies.

[retro_rat]

The money is insanity and the size and premium feel of it are out of the question $200-$250 ago. You could get a ROG Ally or a Steam Deck for that money, and if they follow your tutorials, it can do an awful lot more than this.

[DoeDoeJohn]

This was so thorough and balanced. I loved this review. I am not in the market at all, I have a Analogue Pocket I never find a time to use, but I feel both entertained and informed. This was wonderful. Thing is, I was not having a snack, I was doing the dishes. Hope that's ok.

[racingaerials]

Right when you got to price I checked out. I can get an Odin 2 for MUCH cheaper.

[Lupopunto]

Ayaneo seems to be unaware of the market they entered. Pocket Air $400 (at launch, now it's heavily discounted), Pocket S $550+, Pocket Evo starting at $390, Pocket DMG $420+...these prices are way too high for an Android Handheld.

EDIT: Pocket Air was 320$ at launch..still very expensive for what it is