Ayaneo 3 Debuts: Zen 5 Gaming Handheld with Modular Controller Starting at $699

The renowned handheld gaming console manufacturer, Ayaneo, has just introduced its third-generation flagship with an innovative design that sets a new standard for modular controllers. Over on Indiegogo, they’re showcasing the Ayaneo 3, which includes a Standard Module with all the essentials: joysticks, a D-pad, and ABXY buttons. Gamers can also opt for a Touchpad Module that swaps out the joysticks for a touch interface, or a fighting module that replaces the right ABXY and joystick with a classic six-button layout.

The beauty of this modular design lies in its versatility. With the ability to mix, match, and even flip the modules, users get a staggering 56 possible configurations to perfectly tailor their gameplay experience. While we’re excited about these options, there’s a slight concern about the motorized ejection system for changing modules. It sounds a tad over-engineered, and we’re eager to see how it translates in practice before drawing any conclusions.

Powering this device, Ayaneo opts for AMD’s latest processors, making them pioneers in the handheld gaming space. The Ayaneo 3 offers variants with the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU, marking a notable first for gaming handhelds, or the AMD Ryzen 7 8840U processor for those who might not need the extra horsepower.

Now, let’s delve into the specifics. If you’re eyeing one, you can choose between a vivid 7-inch 120 Hz LCD capable of 500 nits brightness or a stunning 144 Hz OLED. Both display options are priced the same, leaving it up to your display preference. Memory kicks off at 16GB with the 8840U processor, scaling up to a whopping 64GB with the HX 370 chip, and storage starts at 512GB but can expand up to an impressive 4TB—perfect for avoiding the hassle of constantly managing game storage.

The initial price for an Ayaneo 3 is $899 for the base model without additional controller modules, and prices can soar up to $2,099 for full specs. But if you’re early to the party, you could snag a $200 to $300 discount during the campaign.

Do note that the more wallet-friendly models don’t come with the extra controller modules; they’re included only in nearly all 64GB/2TB versions. Moreover, Ayaneo doesn’t offer the option to buy individual modules separately, so you’ll need to opt for the pricier versions if you want the full package.

As of now, Ayaneo has impressively hit its $50,000 crowdfunding target—an encouraging sign for the production of this intriguing device. The company has a solid track record of fulfilling its commitments, which provides backers with a good level of confidence.

Nevertheless, remember that crowdfunding carries inherent risks. Even when funding goals are reached, receiving the final product isn’t always guaranteed, regardless of a company’s history. Supporting at this stage means getting involved in the product’s development risk, but it also means potential savings and possibly being one of the first to enjoy this cutting-edge gadget.