We finally got our hands on the AYANEO Pocket DMG, a device that takes inspiration from the classic Game Boy DMG while adding modern features to meet today’s gaming standards. In this AYANEO Pocket DMG review, we’ll dive into its design, specifications, and performance to see if this premium vertical Android gaming handheld is worth the hype.
AYANEO Pocket DMG Review Video
A Closer Look at the AYANEO Pocket DMG
Let’s kick off this AYANEO Pocket DMG review with an overview of the device. Measuring 3.60 x 5.94 x 0.87 inches (9.15 x 15.1 x 2.23 cm) and weighing just 278g (0.61 lbs), this sleek and portable Android gaming device is easy to carry around.
The AYANEO Pocket DMG features a vibrant 3.92-inch OLED touchscreen display with a resolution of 1240×1080. Below the screen, you’ll find the D-pad, gaming buttons, and a single clickable analog stick. To the right of the stick is a touchpad, complemented by an RGB-lit button that activates the AYA SPACE overlay.
On the left side, the Pocket DMG houses Back and Home buttons, a configurable scroll wheel, and a slider for switching performance modes. On the right, you’ll find two additional function buttons, a power button with a built-in fingerprint sensor, and a covered microSD slot for storage expansion.
The bottom features a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. This can also connect to a USB hub to output the display to a TV or monitor. Meanwhile, the back includes left and right shoulder buttons and triggers, offering a comfortable grip and excellent usability.
The design borrows heavily from the retro Game Boy DMG but doesn’t aim to be an exact replica. Unlike the direct copies found in devices like Anbernic’s retro handhelds, the Pocket DMG blends nostalgia with modern innovation.
Innovative Controls for Modern Gaming
One of the standout features we’ll discuss in this AYANEO Pocket DMG review is the unique control setup. The scroll wheel is a notable addition, allowing users to adjust volume, brightness, or performance modes with ease. While innovative, its usefulness is somewhat limited as it cannot be mapped for in-game functions—at least, not yet.
The analog stick and touchpad combo also add versatility. By holding the START and SELECT buttons, you can enable mouse control mode, making tasks like web browsing more intuitive. However, given the device’s touchscreen capabilities, this feature may see limited use.
AYANEO Pocket DMG Technical Specifications
This section of our AYANEO Pocket DMG review examines its specs in detail and compares it with similar devices.
| AYANEO POCKET DMG | AYANEO POCKET S | AYN ODIN 2 MINI PRO | |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x Gen 2, 8 cores | Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x Gen 2, 8 cores | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 8 cores |
| GPU | Qualcomm Adreno A32 | Qualcomm Adreno A32 | Qualcomm Adreno 740 |
| RAM | 8/12/16GB LPDDR5x | 12GB or 16GB LPDDR5x | 8GB, 12GB LPDDR5x |
| STORAGE | 128GB (UFS 3.1), 256 GB, 512GB or 1TB (UFS 4.0) | 128GB (UFS 3.1), 512GB or 1TB (UFS 4.0) | 128GB, 256GB UFS 4.0 |
| DISPLAY | 3.92″ OLED, 1240×1080, 419PPI, 500 nits | 6″ borderless IPS mirror screen, 2560×1440, 490 PPI, 400nits | 5″ Mini LED 1920×1080 16:9, 440 PPI, 1100 nits |
| COMMUNICATIONS | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| BATTERY | 6000mAh | 6000mAh | 5000mAh |
| SIZE | 3.60 x 5.94 x 0.87 in (9.15 x 15.1 x 2.23 cm) | 8.3 x 3.3 x 0.5 in (21.3 x 8.5 x 1.4 cm) | 7.7 x 3.3 x 0.76 in (19.8 x 8.5 x 1.95 cm) |
| WEIGHT | 278g (0.61 lbs) | 350g (0.77 lbs) | 320g (0.70 lbs) |
| BUY | HERE | HERE | HERE |
In our tests, the Pocket DMG’s 6,000mAh battery lasted approximately 3 hours and 25 minutes while running the Antutu benchmark on a loop on the Gaming performance profile on full brightness. For average usage, expect around 5-6 hours. The fan noise peaked at 67dB under maximum performance mode, around 61dB on average. While temperatures reached a manageable 42°C.
Benchmark Performance Breakdown
We will now compare the Pocket DMG with some other similar Android handhelds to see its performance in our AYANEO Pocket DMG Review.
Geekbench 5
On Geekbench 5, which measures single and multi-core CPU performance, the AYANEO Pocket DMG scored 1,409 and 4,043 respectively. These scores are similar to those of the AYANEO Pocket S but fall slightly behind the AYN Odin 2 Mini Pro.
Geekbench 6
Moving on to Geekbench 6, the Pocket DMG delivered slightly lower scores compared to the AYANEO Pocket S, despite sharing the same CPU. This was somewhat surprising and points to minor optimizations in the Pocket S.
Antutu
The Antutu benchmark, which evaluates overall device performance including daily tasks and 3D graphics rendering, showed comparable results between the AYANEO Pocket DMG and Odin 2 Mini, with the Pocket S pulling ahead by a noticeable margin.
3DMark Wildlife Extreme
Finally, in 3DMark’s Wildlife Extreme test, the Pocket DMG scored 3,279, lower than both the Pocket S and Odin 2 Mini Pro. Overall, while the Pocket DMG delivers respectable performance, it lags slightly behind its competitors in this category.
Operating System and Software
The AYANEO Pocket DMG runs a barebones version of Android, preloaded with essential apps like Google Play Store and a few AYANEO utilities. AYA SPACE stands out as a customizable overlay, offering quick access to brightness, performance, fan settings, and screen mapping—ideal for games lacking native controller support.
Gaming and Emulation Performance
Native Android Gaming
The gaming performance on the AYANEO Pocket DMG is impressive for an Android gaming console. Native Android games run seamlessly, with the device handling most titles without any noticeable issues. However, the square aspect ratio of the screen means that widescreen games may display borders at the top and bottom, which slightly detracts from the overall experience.
For emulation performance you can expect to run everything up to PS2 era with no issues. When available you can increase the rendering resolution and add graphics tweaks to improve the visuals. A great example of this is the PlayStation emulator DuckStation which looks amazing!
PS2 Emulation (AetherSX2)
For PS2 games using the AetherSX2 emulator, most titles run smoothly, and upscaling options improve the visual quality of games like OutRun. Upscaling levels will vary depending on the demand of the game.
3DS Emulation (Citra)
On the Citra emulator for 3DS games, performance is excellent, with Sonic Generations serving as a great example. While shader caching with some games can cause minor delays initially, it does not impact gameplay significantly.
PS Vita Emulation (Vita 3K)
Vita emulation is also strong, with compatible titles running smoothly and many games benefiting from increased rendering resolutions for improved visuals.
Switch Emulation (Yuzu)
For Switch emulation via Yuzu, performance is mixed. Lower-demand games run well, but first-party titles often struggle due to the emulator’s limitations.
Final Thoughts: Is the AYANEO Pocket DMG Worth It?
The AYANEO Pocket DMG is an intriguing device that combines retro-inspired design with modern functionality. Its compact size and vertical layout make it a standout in the world of Android gaming consoles, and its robust build quality adds to its appeal. The square aspect ratio of the screen is a double-edged sword: while it’s perfect for emulating older games and retro handheld systems, it’s less ideal for widescreen modern games. The single analog stick is a good fit for classic gaming, but it may fall short for systems like the PS2 or Vita, which benefit from dual-stick controls.
Performance-wise, the Pocket DMG holds its own in most gaming scenarios. While its benchmark results place it slightly behind competitors like the AYANEO Pocket S, the differences are negligible during everyday use. Its Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 processor ensures smooth gameplay for most Android titles and emulated systems, making it a versatile choice for gamers who enjoy a mix of native Android gaming and retro emulation.
The controls are thoughtfully designed, with unique features like the customizable scroll wheel and touchpad. However, these additions might feel underutilized without further software updates or in-game support. The device’s AYA SPACE software is a welcome inclusion, offering convenient shortcuts and screen mapping capabilities that enhance the gaming experience.
When comparing the AYANEO Pocket DMG to the Pocket S, the latter’s premium build and slightly better performance make it a strong contender. However, the Pocket DMG’s lower price point and vertical design offer a compelling alternative for those who prioritize affordability and nostalgia. It’s a great choice for gamers who want a unique handheld experience that’s versatile and portable.
If you’re in the market for a high-performing Android gaming device with a retro-inspired design, the AYANEO Pocket DMG is definitely worth considering. Its blend of style, functionality, and price makes it a strong contender in the world of Android handheld gaming.
Learn more and order your AYANEO Pocket DMG here.
