Ayaneo’s Android Phone Revives Xperia Play Design
▼ Summary
– Ayaneo has revealed the design of its first Android phone, the Pocket Play, which is a throwback to the 2011 Sony Ericsson Xperia Play.
– The device features a sliding screen that reveals physical controls, including a D-pad, face buttons, touchpads, and shoulder buttons.
– Key details like specifications, exact launch date, and price are currently unavailable, with only a “soon” launch confirmation.
– It is the second such homage to the Xperia Play this year, following the Anbernic RG Slide.
– The Pocket Play appears sleeker than the RG Slide and is designed to function as a primary phone, though it is expected to cost significantly more.
The upcoming Ayaneo Pocket Play has officially unveiled its design, marking a bold return to a classic mobile gaming form factor. This new Android phone from the retro gaming specialist features a sliding screen that reveals a full set of physical controls, directly channeling the spirit of the iconic Sony Ericsson Xperia Play from over a decade ago. The design confirmation ends months of teasers and positions the device as a potential all-in-one solution for gaming and communication.
When closed, the Pocket Play maintains a relatively standard smartphone silhouette, with the notable exception of the twin shoulder buttons positioned on its rear. Sliding the screen upward exposes a complete gaming layout, including a D-pad, ABXY face buttons, and two circular touchpads. The conspicuous absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a notable omission for audio purists and gamers alike. Beyond this striking design, however, concrete details remain scarce.
Ayaneo has only confirmed that the Pocket Play will launch “soon,” with its Kickstarter campaign page currently lacking any technical specifications, performance details, or battery information. This leaves potential backers to speculate on the hardware that will power this ambitious hybrid device. It arrives as the second major homage to the Xperia Play concept this year, following the release of Anbernic’s RG Slide handheld.
Initial impressions suggest the Pocket Play boasts a substantially sleeker and more refined design compared to the chunkier RG Slide. More importantly, it is intended to function as a user’s primary smartphone, a capability the Anbernic device lacks. This premium positioning and integrated functionality almost certainly indicate a significantly higher price point than the RG Slide’s $189 launch cost. The final reveal of specs, pricing, and availability is now the critical next step for this intriguing project.
(Source: The Verge)
