Since Christmas Eve has passed, Ayaneo has been keeping the gaming community buzzing with fresh details about its new Ayaneo 3 handheld device. One of the most exciting revelations to date is the introduction of swappable control modules, setting a new benchmark for personalization in handheld gaming. While similar features have been seen outside of handheld devices, like in the Victrix Pro BFG controller, bringing this innovation to handhelds, especially with robust hall-effect sensors in the analog sticks and triggers, is truly thrilling.
Ayaneo has been actively sharing glimpses of the Ayaneo 3 on platforms like Twitter and Discord. They even released a video showcasing multiple angles of the unit and its innovative control modules. When we last wrote about the Ayaneo 3 in November, we knew it would feature configurations with either the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 or Ryzen 7 8840U. However, we still await details on pricing and more technical specs. It’s anticipated that more information will be revealed, perhaps during a launch event slated for “Late January 2025.”
Adding to the allure, these swappable control modules are incredibly versatile—they can be inverted or entirely swapped out at will. This means the Ayaneo 3 could appeal to fans of various game genres. For instance, it offers a six-face-button module, perfect for enthusiasts of six-button fighting games like Street Fighter or retro Sega console classics. Modules featuring a touchpad will enhance desktop-like gaming experiences, especially when paired with Steam Input.
It’s hard to determine if the Ayaneo 3 will be worth the investment without knowing the price tag or all the details. However, the initial offerings appear promising, and some configurations might cater to budget-conscious gamers. Opting for a Ryzen 7 8840U with a 7-inch LCD rather than an OLED could be more economical—though whether this choice will be beneficial depends on the pricing structure, which remains to be seen. The Ayaneo 3 seems poised to compete with other premium handhelds hitting the market next year, particularly with its emphasis on highly customizable input controls.
