Since Christmas Eve, Ayaneo has steadily revealed exciting updates about their upcoming Ayaneo 3 handheld, and the biggest surprise so far is the introduction of swappable control modules. This feature brings a whole new level of personalization to handheld gaming. While we’ve seen similar concepts with the Victrix Pro BFG controller, it’s thrilling to see them integrate this idea into a handheld console. Additionally, they’ve included durable hall-effect sensors in the analog sticks and triggers, which promises an enhanced gaming experience.
Ayaneo has been active on platforms like Twitter and Discord, sharing glimpses of the Ayaneo 3. They’ve also released a video showcasing the device from various angles, including the flexible control modules. When we last covered the Ayaneo 3 in November, we learned it would be available in Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and Ryzen 7 8840U configurations. However, the pricing and more detailed specs, apart from the APU and the choice between LCD and OLED screens, remain under wraps for now. We expect clarity on these aspects by late January 2025 when the official launch event is anticipated.
The modular design of the Ayaneo 3 doesn’t just stop at swapping modules. You can invert the modules and even swap individual buttons to tailor your gaming experience. This kind of customization makes the Ayaneo 3 suitable for almost any game that uses a controller. Fans of six-button fighting games like Street Fighter or those who enjoy Sega retro games will appreciate the six-face-button module. Meanwhile, modules featuring a touchpad are geared toward desktop-style gaming experiences, especially with Steam Input in the mix.
While the price and further details are still a mystery, the Ayaneo 3’s early features suggest it will offer significant flexibility. The combination of a Ryzen 7 8840U with a 7-inch LCD instead of an OLED could be a budget-friendly option, but whether it’s a worthwhile trade-off will depend largely on the final pricing. It’s poised to compete with other premium handhelds anticipated next year, particularly given its standout focus on modular input control.
