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

The gaming scene is buzzing with the exciting release of Ayaneo’s latest crowdfunded project, their third-generation flagship handheld console. This time around, they’ve introduced an innovative twist with a modular controller design. Over on their Indiegogo page, details of the Ayaneo 3 showcase its different module options: a Standard Module that includes the essential joysticks, D-pad, and ABXY buttons; a Touchpad Module that swaps the joysticks for a touchpad; and a Fighting Module that trades out the right ABXY and joystick for a six-button setup that’s sure to appeal to fighting game enthusiasts.

The true beauty of this setup lies in its flexibility. You can mix, match, and even flip the modules upside down, boasting an impressive 56 different layout combinations. This level of customization means you can tailor your gaming experience to fit both personal taste and the specific demands of each game. There is some concern, though, about the module ejection system since it relies on a motor. That might complicate things a bit more than we’d like, but hopefully, seeing it firsthand will clear things up.

Under the hood, Ayaneo isn’t holding back, using AMD’s cutting-edge processors to power the Ayaneo 3. One of the variants features the new AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU, being one of the pioneering handhelds to do so. But if that’s a bit more power than you need, there’s also the option of the AMD Ryzen 7 8840U processor as an alternative.

The Ayaneo 3 offers a range of choices, starting with screen options of a 7-inch 120 Hz LCD capable of 500 nits brightness, or a 7-inch 144 Hz OLED with a dazzling 800 nits. Surprisingly, whether you go for the more vivid OLED or the trusty LCD, the prices remain consistent, leaving the decision squarely on your preferences. As for memory, they start at 16GB with the 8840U processor, expandable up to 64GB when opting for the HX 370 model. Similarly, storage begins at 512GB, topping out at a hefty 4TB — perfect for gamers who hate deleting games to make space.

The introductory price for the Ayaneo 3 starts at $899 for the base model, though it could rise to $2,099 if decked out with maximum specs. It’s worth noting that during the campaign, there are discounts of between $200 and $300, a nifty saving for early birds.

Extra controller modules aren’t bundled with the more affordable versions — they’re only included in certain configurations, particularly the 64GB/2TB models. Unfortunately, Ayaneo is not selling these modules separately, so those interested will have to splurge on one of the pricier versions to snag them.

As of now, Ayaneo has surpassed its $50,000 crowdfunding goal, indicating that production is a go. With Ayaneo’s solid track record for fulfilling its promises, supporters can be optimistic about receiving their gadgets.

However, as with any crowdfunded endeavor, reaching the funding goal is no absolute guarantee of receiving a finished product, regardless of a company’s history. Investing at this stage is about sharing the risks of launching a new product with the company. But the upside? A sweet discount and a front-row seat to being one of the first to experience this next-level handheld console.