Ayaneo and Retroid: the new wave of retro handhelds steps up even further

Ayaneo finally reveals the name of its Game Boy Advance-inspired handheld, while Retroid increases the price of its Pocket 5 and Flip 2 in exchange for more RAM. Overview of a segment that refuses to stabilize.

The retro/emulation handheld segment is experiencing another shake-up this week with two back-to-back announcements reported by Notebookcheck: Ayaneo reveals the name of its Game Boy Advance-inspired handheld, and Retroid announces a price increase—offset by a RAM boost—on its Pocket 5 and Pocket Flip 2.

What we know

Ayaneo - a nod to the GBA. The Chinese manufacturer, known for its high-end Windows handhelds, is preparing a more compact model whose design directly evokes Nintendo's Game Boy Advance (2001-2008 in the West). The name has just been officially announced according to Notebookcheck. This is an interesting pivot for Ayaneo, which usually plays in the court of machines priced over €800.

Retroid - price increase for more RAM. The Pocket 5 and Pocket Flip 2 see their prices rise, but Retroid justifies the increase with the addition of RAM. In the emulation market, RAM matters: PS2, GameCube, and Switch require comfortable margins.

Design / handling (extrapolation)

Without having had the machines in hand, we can only judge based on visuals and specs. What the 2026 generation promises:

• GBA ergonomics: horizontal format, low joysticks, compact format—what was missing from the 3DS and what the Steam Deck is too bulky to offer.
• OLED becoming increasingly systematic on these machines.
• Android + emulator overlay or Windows for more powerful models.

Performance / target usage

Compared to the competition

These announcements need to be situated against the Anbernic RG556 / RG406H, the PowKiddy X55, and the historical reference in the premium segment, Valve's Steam Deck OLED. The retro/emulation handheld segment has become the only hardware gaming segment that innovates every six months, with a continuous increase in screen quality and CPU power.

Provisional verdict

The return of the GBA format is not anecdotal: it is perhaps the most ergonomic format ever produced for short portable gaming, and its absence from the new market for twenty years leaves a void that Nintendo has never filled. We'll have to see the price—at Ayaneo, you often need to aim for a minimum of €400-500.

What to watch

• The official price of the Ayaneo handheld and its release date.
• The precise list of SoCs used (Snapdragon G-series, MediaTek Dimensity?).
• Battery compatibility / thermal performance—this is where Asian handhelds often fail.

We will return to these two machines as soon as we have test units.