The Pocket Advance nearly perfects my favorite Nintendo handheld

You can now play Android games and emulate retro consoles on a device that feels like a Game Boy Advance.

Ayaneo has released the Konkr Pocket Advance, a handheld gaming device that emulates the design of the Nintendo Game Boy Advance while incorporating modern hardware. The device features a horizontal design, an improved 3.5-inch LCD touchscreen with a 960x640 resolution and 3:2 aspect ratio, updated controls including extra shoulder buttons and a larger D-pad, and runs on Android 12. It is powered by a MediaTek Helio G90T processor with either 3GB or 4GB of RAM and a 4,000mAh battery. The Pocket Advance is priced at $109 for the 3GB RAM/32GB storage model and $129 for the 4GB RAM/64GB storage model. While it is designed for retro gaming and can emulate systems up to PS2 and GameCube, its lack of analog sticks limits its ability to play more modern or demanding titles. Ayaneo's custom launcher, AYASpace, facilitates emulator installation, and the device supports the Google Play Store for app downloads.

The Konkr Pocket Advance positions itself as a premium retro handheld by blending nostalgic design with modern Android flexibility, a strategy that could influence future emulation devices. Its choice of Android over Linux for its operating system offers a more user-friendly experience for those accustomed to smartphones, potentially broadening the appeal of such devices beyond hardcore retro enthusiasts.

By offering a familiar interface and easy access to emulators via its custom launcher and the Google Play Store, Ayaneo is lowering the barrier to entry for playing a wide range of classic games. This approach challenges the prevailing Linux-based handhelds, suggesting a market exists for plug-and-play retro gaming solutions that prioritize ease of use and broad compatibility within its intended scope.