Ayaneo's $79 Game Boy Clone Ditches AI, Embraces Retro

Remember when Ayaneo's Game Boy clone was all about AI? Well, forget that – the Konkr Pocket Block is finally here, and it's starting at just $79. That's right, the retro handheld we first saw in May has officially launched, and the best part? The AI marketing gimmick is gone. Instead, Ayaneo is calling it "a premium vertical pocket Android handheld for gamers." Refreshing, right?

So what's the deal with this thing? It's basically a Game Boy Pocket with a modern twist – a much larger screen-to-body ratio and some slick two-tone panelling. Ayaneo's calling it a "retro cyber design," and honestly, it looks the part. But looks aside, what really matters is what's under the hood. The base model packs a MediaTek Helio G85 CPU, 2GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage for $79. If you want more oomph, you can bump it up to 3GB RAM and 64GB storage for $99. But for emulating the OG Game Boy, GBA, and even some PS1 games, the base model should do just fine.

Compared to its closest rival, the Anbernic RG35XX Plus at $59.97, the Pocket Block offers a bit more power with that Helio G85 chip. And with a 3.33-inch 960 x 720 display, you'll have a sharper, more vibrant screen for your retro adventures. Ayaneo CEO Arthur Zhang even claims it can handle PSP games, which is pretty ambitious for a sub-$100 handheld. If it can pull that off at full speed, we might be looking at a new budget champion. But we'll reserve judgment until we can test one ourselves.

Now, about that AI thing. When Ayaneo first unveiled the Pocket Block in May, it was billed as "the world's first AI-powered handheld." That tagline didn't sit well with a lot of retro fans, especially with the community pushing back against AI creeping into decomp projects and fake AI-generated CRT setups flooding social media. So it's a relief to see no mention of AI in the launch materials. However, Zhang says there will be a "live broadcast" specifically about AI this October. We're not sure how AI could enhance a sub-$100 handheld, and it could end up hurting its reputation if not handled carefully.

It's been a busy year for affordable handhelds. Ayaneo's own Konkr Pocket Advance targets GBA fans, Anbernic's revamped RG DS Plus goes after Nintendo DS players, and Retroid's dual-screen Pocket Duo is also in the mix. So if you're not keen on AI-powered devices, you've got plenty of options. But the Pocket Block's $79 price tag and solid specs make it a tempting choice for retro gaming on the go.

What do you think? Will you be picking up the Konkr Pocket Block, or are you sticking with your current handheld? Let us know in the comments!