The handheld gaming market has exploded lately and AYANEO is right at the center of it. When I first saw the AYANEO Pocket DS, I’ll admit, the design immediately grabbed my attention. Dual screens on a Windows handheld? That’s bold and kind of nostalgic. It instantly reminded me of the Nintendo DS days but with the power of a modern PC.
After spending a few weeks testing it, playing everything from Hades to Cyberpunk 2077 and even some emulated DS titles, I’ve gathered some thoughts. This review covers how the AYANEO Pocket DS actually performs, how comfortable it is to use, and whether it’s worth its price tag.
FFirst Impressions & Design
AYANEO has always been good at premium hardware, and the Pocket DS doesn’t disappoint in that department. The dual-screen design feels futuristic yet oddly familiar. The top screen is a 7-inch 120Hz display, while the second touch screen adds a unique twist, it can act as a controller, app launcher, or even a mini secondary display for multitasking.
It’s surprisingly solid in the hands, not too heavy, not too plasticky, though the hinge can feel slightly stiff at first. The button layout is comfortable, and the analog sticks are smooth with good resistance. You can tell AYANEO wanted this to feel like a serious gaming device, not a gimmick.
Performance & Gameplay
Under the hood, the AYANEO Pocket DS packs an AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor, integrated RDNA 3 graphics, and up to 32GB of RAM, in other words, it’s no toy.
Performance-wise, it handled most modern games surprisingly well. Cyberpunk 2077 ran around 45–55 fps on medium settings, while Elden Ring hovered between 50–60 fps depending on the thermal profile. Indie and retro titles, of course, ran flawlessly.
Emulation was a highlight. Playing old Nintendo DS and 3DS games on a device that actually has two screens felt so natural, almost poetic. But the real challenge came with AAA games: yes, it can play them, but heat buildup and battery drain are real trade-offs.
Battery Life & Cooling
Battery life varies wildly depending on what you’re playing. Expect around 2.5 to 3 hours on heavy titles and 6+ hours for lighter or retro games. The built-in cooling fan does its job but can get audible during intense gaming sessions.
The second screen also drains battery faster if you leave it on for multitasking (like using Discord or YouTube while gaming). I found myself turning it off when I didn’t need it.
The Dual Screen: Cool or Confusing?
This is where the Pocket DS really divides opinions. The second screen is genuinely useful, for things like maps, chats, game stats, or emulator touch controls. But some players might find it unnecessary if they mostly use the device for straightforward PC gaming.
It shines best when multitasking: you can stream a video on one screen and browse Steam on the other, or play a game while keeping your Spotify playlist visible. For creative uses, it’s fun, but for gaming only, it’s more “nice to have” than essential.
Price & Value
At a starting price of around $800–$1,000, the AYANEO Pocket DS is definitely a luxury purchase. It’s aimed at serious handheld enthusiasts who value innovation and power in a portable form. For that price, you’re getting cutting-edge specs, premium build quality, and a one-of-a-kind dual-screen experience — but also a few quirks that come with experimental design.
If you’re after a practical handheld gaming PC, the AYANEO Air 1S or Steam Deck OLED might give you more consistent value. But if you want something that truly stands out, both in looks and features, the Pocket DS is unmatched right now.
What I Loved
- Gorgeous dual-screen design with crisp displays
- Excellent performance for a handheld
- Great for emulation and multitasking
- Premium feel and build quality
What Could Be Better
- Battery drains fast on demanding games
- Second screen isn’t essential for everyone
- Fan noise under heavy load
- Pricey compared to alternatives
Is The AYANEO Pocket DS Worth It?
The AYANEO Pocket DS is one of those devices that reminds you why handheld gaming is exciting again. It’s innovative, powerful, and beautifully built, but it’s also a bit experimental. It’s not perfect, yet it pushes boundaries in ways that make you excited about where gaming tech is headed.
If you’re a handheld enthusiast who loves trying new designs and doesn’t mind the premium price tag, you’ll probably love the AYANEO Pocket DS. But if you just want a simple, reliable way to play PC games on the go, you might find it a little over the top.
Conclusion
The AYANEO Pocket DS is ambitious, creative, and surprisingly capable. It’s not for everyone, but for those who appreciate innovation and nostalgia in one sleek device, it’s a gem worth experiencing.
Check out Horsepower Scrubber I reviewed earlier.