Ayaneo Pocket Play Unveils Key Specs Ahead of Launch: Sony Xperia Play Revival Takes Shape

Ayaneo's upcoming Pocket Play, part of its Remake series targeting nostalgic gaming hardware, has unveiled significant specifications ahead of its anticipated launch. Positioned as a spiritual successor to Sony's 2011 Xperia Play—a pioneering Android device with slide-out game controls—the Pocket Play modernizes the concept with contemporary hardware. While Ayaneo confirmed core specifications like the MediaTek Dimensity 9300 chipset and 6.8-inch 165Hz OLED display earlier, new details clarify its positioning in the crowded gaming phone market.

Newly Confirmed Specifications

Ayaneo expanded the Pocket Play's color options beyond the initial black and white variants, adding a vibrant red model to its lineup. More crucially, the company detailed the device's haptic system: an 0815 X-axis linear motor supporting four distinct vibration modes. This promises nuanced feedback during gameplay, potentially rivaling dedicated controllers.

The thermal design also comes into focus. Ayaneo pairs the Dimensity 9300 with an active air cooling system, explicitly engineered to divert heat away from the grip area. This addresses a common pain point in gaming phones where sustained performance throttling or uncomfortable hand temperatures occur during extended sessions.

Connectivity upgrades include a USB 3.2 Gen Type-C port supporting DisplayPort 1.4 for external monitor use—a boon for desktop-style gaming setups. Wireless features include Bluetooth 5 and Wi-Fi 6, while physical expansion remains possible via a dedicated microSD slot supporting cards up to 512GB.

Comparative Analysis

Against its inspiration, the Pocket Play represents a generational leap. The original Xperia Play used a 1GHz Scorpion CPU and 4-inch LCD; Ayaneo counters with a 6.8-inch OLED panel at 165Hz refresh rate and vastly superior processing power. However, the Dimensity 9300 choice warrants scrutiny. While capable, it lags behind Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in GPU performance and game optimization—a notable gap for a device marketing itself as a premium gaming solution. Competing devices like the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro or RedMagic 9 Pro leverage newer Snapdragon silicon, offering higher frame rates in demanding titles.

The slide-out control module, reminiscent of the Xperia Play's design, incorporates touchpads functioning as virtual joysticks—an interesting hybrid approach. Yet, without physical analog sticks, precision may fall short of devices like the ROG Phone's detachable gamepad. The active cooling system could mitigate thermal limitations but adds potential bulk and acoustic noise compared to passive solutions in thinner phones.

Target Audience Considerations

This device caters explicitly to retro enthusiasts craving tactile controls in a smartphone form factor. The slide-out mechanism offers immediate access to gamepad functions without Bluetooth pairing, ideal for emulation or Android titles with controller support. However, buyers prioritizing raw performance for cutting-edge games may find the Dimensity 9300 limiting compared to rivals. The Pocket Play's success hinges on balancing nostalgia with modern expectations: its display and cooling are competitive, but the SoC choice suggests Ayaneo is targeting mid-to-high-tier gaming rather than absolute flagship performance.

Pricing and availability remain unannounced, but Ayaneo typically positions its products in the premium segment. If priced aggressively near $600-$700, the Pocket Play could carve a niche. Value-conscious gamers should cross-reference final costs against alternatives like the Poco F6 Pro (using Snapdragon 8 Gen 2) or await performance benchmarks. For now, Ayaneo's revival of slide-out gaming controls stands as a compelling experiment in mobile hardware.

Source: Ayaneo on Weibo (machine translated from Chinese)