AYANEO Pocket Air Mini: First Impressions

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📰 New article from Retro Handhelds

AYANEO Pocket Air Mini: First Impressions

https://retrohandhelds.gg/ayaneo-pocket-air-mini-first-impressions/

You spent what on a $70 handheld? Yeah, we see you, Ban. And honestly? We’re kind of impressed.

The AYANEO Pocket Air Mini is the retro handheld equivalent of buying a $5 taco that somehow tastes like Michelin-starred carnitas. For under $100, it packs a Mediatek Helio G90T, a crisp 4.3-inch 4:3 screen, and enough juice to run PS1, N64, and even some Dreamcast games—without melting your wallet (or your thumbs). The controls? Light as a feather. Too light sometimes—like trying to press a button with a cotton swab. But hey, if you like your inputs whisper-quiet and low-effort, this is your jam.

Android 11 feels like a step back, sure—but it’s lean, fast, and surprisingly stable. The UI is clunky, but the pop-up performance menu? Chef’s kiss. Storage’s tight (32/64GB), and yes, some modern Android games won’t run. But for classic emulators? It’s a steal.

Compared to rivals like the Mangmi Air X, it wins on raw power—and loses on screen ratio. If you’re Team 4:3 (looking at you, N64 purists), this is your new BFF. If not? Walk away.

Bottom line: AYANEO didn’t just make a cheap handheld. They made one you’ll actually want to play with. And that’s rare.

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