Ayaneo 3: Zen 5 Gaming Handheld with Modular Controller Debuts at $699

Ayaneo has just rolled out its latest flagship device, the Ayaneo 3, for crowdfunding, capturing the attention of handheld gaming aficionados everywhere. One standout feature of this third-generation gadget is its revolutionary modular controller design. According to the details on its Indiegogo page, the console supports an array of modules: a Standard Module with your typical joysticks, D-pad, and ABXY buttons; a Touchpad Module that swaps out the joysticks for a touchpad, and a Fighting Module which replaces the right joystick and ABXY buttons with a six-button setup.

One cool tweak is that you can mix and match these modules, and even install them upside down, giving you the freedom to choose from a whopping 56 different layout combinations. This customization ensures that you can tailor your setup to fit your gaming style perfectly. However, a slight concern is the motorized mechanism for ejecting these modules, which could potentially complicate the process more than needed. But, until we can get our hands on one, we’ll hold off on any final judgments.

Ayaneo isn’t just about flashy new builds; they’re also embracing the latest tech under the hood. They’ve adopted AMD’s cutting-edge processors for their flagship. Opt for the beefy AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU — making Ayaneo one of the early adopters in the handheld gaming scene — or go with the capable AMD Ryzen 7 8840U if your power needs are a bit more modest.

The Ayaneo 3 provides options to cater to different tastes. You can choose between a vivid 7-inch 120 Hz LCD screen that offers 500 nits of brightness or go for the 144 Hz OLED display, which can reach up to a spectacular 800 nits. The decision here boils down to your preference as both screens carry the same price point. Memory options start at 16GB for devices with the 8840U, ramping up to a hefty 64GB should you select the HX 370 model. Meanwhile, storage ranges from 512GB and reaches up to a massive 4TB for those who like to keep all their games close at hand.

Starting prices for the Ayaneo 3 are set at $899 for the simplest model, excluding those extra controller modules. But if you’re looking for the maxed-out specs, the price could climb to $2,099. Not to worry, though — they’re offering backers generous discounts between $200 to $300 if you jump on board during the crowdfunding campaign.

Bear in mind, the more budget-friendly options won’t come with those nifty extra controller modules. They’re included mainly in the 64GB/2TB configurations. And quirky or not, Ayaneo doesn’t intend to sell these modules separately, meaning you’ll need to splash out on the more premium versions if that’s what you’re after.

At the moment, Ayaneo’s campaign has surpassed its $50,000 goal, indicating that production is likely just around the corner. The company’s track record of delivering on their promises boosts backers’ confidence about receiving their promised product.

However, it’s always wise to approach crowdfunded projects with a pinch of caution. Even once they reach funding goals, there’s never a 100% guarantee you’ll get what you’ve backed. Supporting at this phase means you’re essentially investing in the company, sharing some of the risks of launching something new. However, the trade-off isn’t bad — you get a sweet discount and the bonus of being one of the first to own this innovative piece of tech.