The AYANEO Pocket Micro Classic is a handheld console released in 2025, aiming to combine nostalgia and innovation in an extremely compact format. Inspired by the legendary Game Boy Micro, it brings modern features to a small device. The question is whether it still makes sense today — and that’s exactly what we’ll analyze in this review.
Design of the AYANEO Pocket Micro Classic
The Pocket Micro Classic features a design clearly inspired by the Game Boy Micro, with dimensions of 156 × 63 × 18 mm and a weight of 227g, giving the device a premium feel.
It is available in black, red, and retro gray, offering options that balance elegance and nostalgic style.
Controls of the AYANEO Pocket Micro Classic
The controls were designed to deliver a faithful experience to classic platforms, with a NES‑style D‑pad that can be used as a directional input or replaced by the analog sticks, ensuring versatility for different play styles.
On the top, the handheld includes L1, L2, R1, and R2 buttons arranged in a line, a solution that favors the compact design without sacrificing functionality.
Connectivity of the AYANEO Pocket Micro Classic
Connectivity is complete for such a compact device. It includes Wi‑Fi 5G, enabling online play, app downloads, and fast updates. It also offers Bluetooth 5.3, allowing wireless connection to controllers and headphones, enhancing versatility.
Additionally, it provides a USB‑C port, a Micro USB port, and an SD card slot, covering the main needs for connection and memory expansion.
Display of the AYANEO Pocket Micro Classic
The 3.5‑inch IPS display impresses with a resolution of 960×640 pixels, delivering 100% sRGB coverage for vivid colors and excellent image quality.
The 3:2 aspect ratio was chosen to provide a balanced and comfortable visual experience across different types of games.
This format is especially ideal for GBA titles, as the screen has exactly four times the resolution of the Game Boy Advance, ensuring faithful and sharp reproduction.
Battery of the AYANEO Pocket Micro Classic
The 2600mAh battery is relatively small, even for its compact size, offering 2 to 5 hours of autonomy depending on the game and connectivity.
Charging via USB‑C helps compensate, taking around 1 to 2 hours to fully recharge.
Processor and Storage of the AYANEO Pocket Micro Classic
The handheld is powered by the MediaTek Helio G99, commonly used in smartphones, paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, delivering enough power to run everything from Atari classics to many PS2 games smoothly.
For storage, it comes in 128GB or 256GB versions, with microSD expansion support, allowing users to easily grow their game library.
Operating System + Emulable Platforms of the AYANEO Pocket Micro Classic
The Android 13 operating system provides freedom to install native Android apps and games, while also supporting emulators and streaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce Now, making it a modern and versatile option.
Platforms that run perfectly:
- Sixth Generation consoles: PlayStation 2, GameCube
- 32 and 64‑bit consoles: PlayStation 1, Dreamcast, Nintendo 64
- 8 and 16‑bit consoles: NES, Master System, Super Nintendo, Mega Drive
- Handhelds: Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Neo Geo Pocket, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, PSP, PS Vita
- Arcades: CPS, FBA, MAME
- And more
Platforms that run some titles:
- Nintendo Wii
Price of the AYANEO Pocket Micro Classic
The AYANEO Pocket Micro Classic is priced between $199 and $270.
Is the AYANEO Pocket Micro Classic worth it in 2026? Final Analysis and Alternatives
The AYANEO Pocket Micro Classic combines premium design with solid performance, making it an appealing choice for those seeking something compact and functional. It particularly shines in the faithful reproduction of Game Boy Advance titles, thanks to its optimized screen, while also delivering smooth performance in 8 and 16‑bit classics, blending nostalgia and modernity in one device.
Alternatives to the Pocket Micro Classic
- AYANEO Pocket ACE: Maintains a compact design but uses the powerful Snapdragon G3x Gen 2, making it a more versatile and modern option, balancing portability, performance, and innovation in a single device.
