This ‘Game Boy’ Can Run Dreamcast, GameCube & PS2 Games
▼ Summary
– The Ayaneo Pocket Vert is a new vertical handheld designed for emulating retro consoles like the Dreamcast, GameCube, and PS2.
– It is expected to be priced around $250, making it slightly more expensive than the $220 Analogue Pocket but cheaper than Ayaneo’s previous $450 Pocket DMG.
– The device shares key screen specifications with the Analogue Pocket but uses premium metal materials and runs on Android 14 for software emulation.
– It features capable hardware, including a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip and a 6,000mAh battery, and can run demanding GameCube and PS2 games at high frame rates.
– The Pocket Vert is scheduled for release in early 2026, though its launch plans could be affected by global component shortages.
The Ayaneo Pocket Vert has arrived, generating significant buzz as a vertical handheld that promises to emulate demanding consoles like the Sega Dreamcast, Nintendo GameCube, and Sony PlayStation 2. This new device offers a nostalgic Game Boy form factor paired with modern Android-based emulation power, potentially positioning it as a compelling alternative in the crowded retro gaming market.
Initial impressions suggest the hardware is quite robust. This isn’t Ayaneo’s first venture into this design language, following last year’s Pocket DMG. While that model started at a steep $450, the Pocket Vert’s speculated global price of around $250, based on its Chinese pricing, makes it far more accessible. This places it just above the $220 Analogue Pocket, a device with which it shares several key screen specifications. Both feature a sharp 3.5-inch LTPS LCD touchscreen with a 1,600 x 1,400 resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate.
However, the differences are substantial. The Pocket Vert runs on Android 14, relying on software emulators rather than the Analogue Pocket’s FPGA hardware or cartridge slot. Its construction also sets it apart, utilizing a metal body that feels more premium than the plastic used on its predecessors. Hands-on reports indicate the buttons are tactile and satisfying, and the inclusion of a “Magic Touch” touchpad below the main controls provides a clever workaround for games requiring analog sticks.
Under the hood, the specs are tailored for performance. It’s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB of storage, expandable via microSD. A sizable 6,000mAh battery should support lengthy play sessions, and a fingerprint sensor embedded in the power button adds a modern security touch.
Most importantly, its emulation capabilities appear impressive. Early testing shows it can run GameCube titles like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and PS2 games such as Metal Gear Solid 2 at a smooth 60 frames per second, often at multiple times the original resolution. The less-demanding Dreamcast library also runs with highly playable performance. For enthusiasts drawn to the vertical format, the Pocket Vert represents a powerful and sleek package, with a tentative release window set for early 2026, barring any supply chain disruptions.
(Source: Gizmodo)
