Ayaneo Pocket DMG Review: How Much Game Boy Do You Need?

Try to find a portable that meets your demands and accomplishes most of what you're looking for in that category when you're spending a lot of money on it. You wouldn't want to pay $500 on more than one handheld, would you?

Oh, I see. With the Pocket S and Evo right next to it, I had to ask myself when the Ayaneo Pocket DMG was released: is this assertive G3X vertical necessary? Most likely, if you're a Root Beer Canadian. However, when you gaze at that almost square screen, you're unlikely to think of the Game Boy or Game Boy Color.

I wanted to ask myself that question. How much Game Boy is necessary for one man? I can respond to this question independently because Ayaneo sent it to Stubbs for evaluation before forwarding it to me.

Ayaneo Pocket DMG: Specs

First, the price range for an item purchased from Ayaneo's Indiegogo is $342 on the low to $675 on the high end. While the DMG is limited to the top end, Black and White are offered on the cheaper SKUs.

  • CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon G3X Gen 2
  • GPU: Adreno A32
  • Screen: 3.92", 1240×1080 OLED, 31:27 Aspect Ratio (basically 8:7)
  • RAM: 8 – 16GB
  • Storage: 128GB – 1TB
  • OS: Android 13
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi / BT 5.3 / 1x microSD / 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen-2 
  • Battery: 6000mAh
  • Dimensions: 151 x 91.5 x 22.3mm
  • Weight: 278g

Hand Feel

In terms of design, Ayaneo did a fantastic job with this one. In the DMG colourway, anyway. It has a modern appearance, yet it resembles an old DMG. They even placed a lovely grey bezel around the high-resolution OLED screen. My thumbs land squarely on the face and the D-pad buttons in my hand. It feels high-end even when my index fingers attempt to remove the uncomfortable shoulder buttons, which is to be expected given its high cost.

Controls

The controls are mediocre at best and mediocre at worst. Regarding the good? Despite their light press and little travel, the face buttons are a pleasure. The D-pad is responsive and adheres to the trend of minimal travel. Since Fake-08 is my only option, my Pico-8 Celeste tests aren't as good here, but after the first attempt, finishing a run got much easier.

The not-so-good? Although L1 and R1 work well, the fact that the triggers are digital on a tablet is difficult to accept because it may prevent many native Android games from working. That won't be too horrible if this is your Game Boy. Although responsive, the stick is a little undersized, and I will always detest the rubbery, soft-touch sensation.

What about the trackpad? I like using it to adjust the camera position in the occasional twin-stick game. However, it does not work with contemporary games. I see now that I forgot. Even though the Power button isn't a control, it is far too simple to press.

User Experience

I will keep this brief and straightforward. It is a Gen 2 Snapdragon G3X, currently the most potent chip found in an Android handheld. You can lie to Switch about everything. The aspect ratio is the most worrisome part of this situation. I want to avoid all 16:9 content like the plague because of the almost square screen. No PSP, Vita, or Switch, then. And I'm not considering anything else that is 16:9. But once more, it's a handheld DMG.

Although the Ayaneo software is improving, it is still not my favourite product. Although I'm glad it's easier to access than other handhelds I've received from them, it still does the job. In time, it might get better.

The Alternatives

Regarding the Pocket DMG, the key question is what else is possible, particularly at a reduced cost. Therefore, a few categories are worth addressing, listed below.

FPGA

if the DMG for the Game Boy and Game Boy Color is what you're looking at. How about an FPGA? The FPGBC, which costs about $90, the Analogue Pocket, which costs $220, and the Modretro Chromatic, which costs $200, are your possibilities. All before taxes and delivery, of course. You must disregard the FPGBC to achieve that upscale feel. Despite my complaints, the Analogue Pocket might be better if you seek a high-end Gameboy.

Through OpenFPGA cores, it can play a variety of other systems in addition to the original cartridges. However, it still has the drawback of not covering all of the various systems that the DMG might be able to. And the additional features are worth the extra $120 to upgrade from a Pocket to the least expensive DMG.

Linux Handhelds

Linux handhelds have a wide range of applications—a $20 shitbox to a $250 shitbox and everything in between. However, if you want something to rival the Pocket DMG in that Game Boy environment, there are a few choices.

In my opinion, the RGB20SX is the greatest choice available for square screens. For $60 to $70, it's ideal for 8:7 systems and even Pico-8. But aside from that, the RG406V and the TrimUI Brick seem to be the most comparable possibilities at the moment, and 4:3 is the best option, whether it's for a single stick and comfort or just a high-resolution screen and good construction.

However, the drawbacks of not having access to resources like the Google Play Store reappear. However, PortMaster can more than makeup for it in some ways, and the simplicity of setup on a portable Linux computer makes the difference. You may not require the Pocket DMG for the sake of simplicity. The handheld could cost between $50 and $70. It's the move for everyone else, though.

Android Handhelds

You may be wondering why I included this category. I am, too. Unless you're looking for a limited-edition Chinese handheld, virtually no dedicated vertical Android handhelds are available.

GammaOS Lite is an alternative, but it's not a novel one. If you want a vertical Android handheld, this is your only and best option. It is only for systems with a near-square aspect ratio, such as the Game Boy or Color.

Do it if this is the operating system you desire.

Final Thoughts

What am I thinking? The Ayaneo Pocket DMG is an excellent portable. If you were clear about what you wanted, this fulfilled it. Do it any day of the week, in my opinion. But you shouldn't purchase the DMG model. The colours and an additional 512GB of storage come for a respectable markup of $675.

After utilizing the DMG, I advise getting the base model. If you anticipate needing it, consider the 12GB version. You get the same experience for around half the price, starting at $423.

This is by far the best vertical available. For some, it outperforms all alternatives, including powerful Linux machines and FPGAs. I prefer to use other handhelds. However, there isn't an inadequate response this time, and that's a good thing for once.

Just don't buy every G3X handheld Ayaneo release this year. You may not have any money left after that.