Key Takeaways
1. Ayaneo introduced the Pocket Play, inspired by the Xperia Play, but provided limited initial details.
2. The device features the Dimensity 9300 SoC from MediaTek, a choice that surprised some due to recent advancements in gaming emulation.
3. Many believe the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 would have been a better choice for superior performance in emulation tasks.
4. The Pocket Play includes slide-out controls with tactile feedback and a smart touchpad designed for accuracy, though physical joysticks are preferred for a better experience.
5. The crowdfunding phase for the Pocket Play is postponed to improve customer support, with a possible launch in the first half of 2026.
Ayaneo has introduced the Pocket Play, which is a new member of its Remake series, and as the company has shown before, it takes inspiration from the Xperia Play gaming phone. However, during its first reveal, there wasn’t much detail shared about this device.
Display and SoC Update
In late December 2025, Ayaneo disclosed the display specifications of the gaming phone, and now the system-on-chip (SoC) details have been officially shared. The Pocket Play comes equipped with the Dimensity 9300, a top-tier MediaTek chip from 2023. While this SoC choice could surprise some, the advancements in Mali emulation and gaming have seen a noticeable improvement in recent months.
Performance Considerations
That being said, it would have been preferable to see the Pocket Play use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which is Qualcomm’s flagship SoC for the same year. With superior GPU driver support, this alternative chip would likely enable better performance in emulation tasks.
Ayaneo’s teaser announcement emphasized the slide-out controls of the gaming phone. The ABXY and D-pad buttons are designed to provide tactile feedback, while the smart touchpad can function like a virtual joystick, which is claimed to be finely tuned for accuracy. Of course, physical joysticks would still provide a more satisfying experience overall (like those on the 8bitDo Ultimate mobile controller that currently retails for $39.99 on Amazon).
Launch Timeline
Currently, there isn’t an official launch date for the Pocket Play, but Ayaneo has recently stated that the crowdfunding phase for the gaming phone is postponed. This delay is attributed to the company’s desire to revamp its operations, particularly with a focus on improving customer support. Given that most of the key specifications have been unveiled through recent teasers, it’s probable that Ayaneo will roll out the gaming phone in the first half of 2026.
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