Retro gaming enthusiasts have a new reason to be excited as Ayaneo refines its Android handheld lineup with a device that pays even closer tribute to Nintendo's classic Game Boy Micro. The new Pocket Micro Classic maintains the core functionality of its predecessor while removing a key modern element to create a more authentic retro experience.
 |
|---|
| AyanNeo Pocket Micro Classic showcases its refined design with modern colors, appealing to retro gaming enthusiasts |
A Purer Retro Design Philosophy
The Ayaneo Pocket Micro Classic represents an interesting design pivot from the company's previous offering. While the original Pocket Micro already drew inspiration from Nintendo's Game Boy Micro, the new Classic model takes this homage a step further by completely removing the thumbsticks. This seemingly small change dramatically alters the device's appearance, creating cleaner lines and a more purposeful look that better resembles its inspiration. For purists who noted that the original Game Boy Micro never featured thumbsticks, this design choice addresses a key aesthetic criticism of the previous model.
Optimized for Game Boy Advance Emulation
The Pocket Micro Classic retains the specialized 3:2 aspect ratio display (960x640 resolution) that made its predecessor particularly well-suited for Game Boy Advance emulation. This screen configuration allows GBA games to be displayed at exactly 4x their native resolution without requiring letterboxing or pillarboxing, creating a clean, pixel-perfect presentation. While the device can emulate systems beyond the GBA, including titles up to the Dreamcast generation, the screen specifications make it clear that GBA emulation remains the primary focus of this hardware.
Technical Specifications Remain Unchanged
Despite the removal of thumbsticks, the internal components of the Pocket Micro Classic remain identical to the original model. The device is powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 chip running Android 13, which provides sufficient performance for emulating consoles up to the Dreamcast era. Battery life comes from a 2600mAh cell that should deliver approximately five hours of gameplay between charges. Consumers can choose between two configurations: a base model with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage, or a premium version offering 8GB RAM and 256GB storage.
Control Adaptations for Thumbstick-Free Gaming
For games that traditionally require thumbstick controls, Ayaneo has implemented a clever workaround. Users can long-press the ST and = buttons to toggle the D-pad between standard directional input and left thumbstick emulation modes. This solution ensures the device maintains compatibility with a wide range of games despite its streamlined control scheme.
Color Options and Pricing
The Pocket Micro Classic is available in three color variants: Magic Black, Retro Gray, and Retro Gold—with the gold version featuring a striking red CNC aluminum shell that particularly evokes the special editions of Nintendo's original Game Boy Micro. Interestingly, the removal of thumbsticks has allowed Ayaneo to reduce the starting price to USD $179 for the 6GB/128GB model, making it USD $20 cheaper than the original Pocket Micro. The 8GB/256GB configuration is priced at USD $209 for the Magic Black variant and USD $239 for both the Retro Gray and Retro Gold options.
Availability
Ayaneo has opened pre-orders for the Pocket Micro Classic, with shipping expected to begin in mid-April. The original Pocket Micro remains available for those who prefer having thumbsticks on their portable emulation device, giving consumers a choice between modern versatility and retro authenticity.