Ayaneo has officially unveiled the Pocket DS, a new Android-based handheld that brings its clamshell, dual-screen concept to the Google Android platform. The device stands apart from Ayaneo’s current Flip 1S models, which run Windows 11 on high-end AMD processors but have been difficult to find in stock due to most of it stock will be send out to its Indiegogo-campaign supporters.
A Dual-Screen Android Handheld
The Pocket DS introduces itself as the first dual-screen Android handheld. The main display is a 7-inch OLED panel with a 165 Hz refresh rate, paired with a 5-inch secondary LCD screen in a 4:3 ratio. Under the hood, it runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon G3x Gen 2, paired with up to 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage. Other hardware highlights include Hall-effect joysticks and triggers, an 8,000 mAh battery, fast charging, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a metal shell.
Price and Availability
The Pocket DS is currently available through crowdfunding with early bird prices starting at $399 for an 8 GB RAM / 128 GB model. Higher-end versions reach $639 for the retro gray edition with 16 GB RAM and 1 TB storage, with full retail prices pushing some configurations up to $759. European pricing lands between €344 and €550 depending on model. Shipping is expected to begin in October 2025.
Broad line-up
The Flip 1S DS and KB models, launched earlier this year, target Windows PC gaming. They ship with Ryzen processors, dual- or single-screen clamshell designs, and prices starting around $799, climbing past $1,500 for top configurations. These models have seen limited availability, with many early buyers reporting long waits due to production constraints and the obligation to its Indiegogo backers.
The Pocket DS, by contrast, is positioned as the more accessible option. Powered by Android 13, it focuses on emulation and casual play rather than full Windows gaming. With lower costs and easier production, Ayaneo expects the Pocket DS to be more widely available than its Windows-based siblings.
One of the more practical additions is Turnip driver support, which gives the Pocket DS a leg up for PC game emulation on Android. By using Qualcomm’s open-source Vulkan drivers, the handheld can push beyond the usual limits of stock Snapdragon graphics. In practice, this means smoother performance in demanding emulators like Yuzu and Skyline, and better compatibility with titles that often struggle on other Android devices. It places the Pocket DS in a stronger position as a hybrid between retro console emulation and more modern PC-style gaming.
Two Paths Forward
With the Flip series aimed at premium Windows gaming and the Pocket DS positioned as a more affordable Android handheld, Ayaneo is broadening its lineup. The Pocket DS may appeal to retro fans and budget-conscious players interested in dual-screen experimentation without the higher cost of Windows hardware. While the top-tier Pocket configurations feel somewhat excessive for a device focused on emulation, the wider range now covers nearly every handheld use case. This should put Ayaneo in a strong market position.
